James L. Bute, 84, of Alden, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Birchwood Cottages Memory Care in Owatonna on Monday, March 18, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells with Fr. Thomas Niehaus officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church (10:00-11:00 AM). Burial will be in Alden Cemetery. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences. Nasinec Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
“Jim” was born December 11, 1939 in Miller, South Dakota. He was the son of Fred and Alice Bute. His family moved to the Truman Minnesota area when he was 6 years old and began farming. He attended country school as a youngster, and later graduated from Truman High School in 1957.
Jim was united in marriage to Margaret Streit of Fairmont where they eventually made their home and went on to raise their seven children, Mike, Scott, Karin, Jeff, Patrick, Robert and Kelly. Jim worked as a truck, tractor diesel mechanic and a truck driver over the years, logging over two million miles. He was the service manager of the International Dealership in Fairmont back in the seventies.
Life changed for Jim and his family in 1976, when he accepted a position as an instructor in the Truck, Tractor Diesel program at ALAVTI (now Riverland College). He taught there for 23 years until his retirement in 1999. He had a deep love for passing on his great knowledge of all things mechanical, especially diesel trucks, tractors and heavy equipment. He touched the lives of many students throughout the years who went on to become professionals in their careers. His students fondly remember him as “Doctor Detroit” (his favorite type of engine). Jim was also an active member of the Norm Larson modified semi pulling team which won the 1993 NTPA National championship. He was instrumental in helping to start a student scholarship program for would-be diesel students back in the 90’s.
Jim loved traveling, camping, and exploring beautiful places and museums with his wife Marge. Together they ran a lawn and small engine repair business after his retirement. He and his family enjoyed attending many tractor shows and pulls over the years. He had a special fondness for the Butterfield Threshing Bees which he began attending back in 1967. Jim was the ultimate “walker” as most Alden residents would attest. He and his companion, Barney, logged many miles in all weather conditions to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Jim was a social butterfly and loved to visit with people any time any place. He was a great story teller! He and Marge instilled a strong work ethic and love for God and family in their children.
Jim is survived by his wife Margaret from Alden, sons Mike (Jane), Scott (Lisa) from Alden, daughter Karin (Joel Justin) from Faribault, sons Jeff (Kimberly) from Hutchinson, Patrick (Jolene) from Alden, Robert (Julie) from New Ulm, and Kelly (Meggin) from Conger. He and Marge had 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice Bute, sister Linda Bute, grandson Derek, father and mother-in-law Otto and Irene Streit, brothers-in-law Vern Rosenberg and Steven Streit, and sisters-in-law Shelia Chaffee and Karen Blachowske.
Our condolences to Margaret, Mike and all of the Bute family, on the loss of Jim. I enjoyed many conversations with him over the years, when I worked at Freeborn County Co-op. in Alden. He was a great guy. Rest in peace, Jim.
Sorry to hear that Jim passed away he was a great guy remember him from Parkview Care Center RIP Jim
Marge, you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
You’re all in my thoughts and prayers!! I think of Jim often. Thank you for the honor of caring for him!! This past year was so hard for him. Hugs to you all!!
Our sympathies to the entire Bute family.
Bryan & Mary Sweet
Sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry to hear this, Marge and family. He was so kind and loving and dedicated to his family. I’m thinking of you!
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
My sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family!!! I remember well when the Bute family moved into our neighborhood. He was a great guy!
Your dad was grand, He was a good example to us all. From his consistency in daily walking, his gardening … and pride in his family was for all to see. And with his faith I know he is in heaven. May you cherish the memories and stories that will be shared.
You all are in my prayers.
He was the best and favorite diesel instructor I had and I liked them all.
We are sorry for your loss.We will be praying
Our deepest Sympathy to Marge and family from Albert and Sue former neighbors.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of James. My condolences to Mike and the rest of the family.
Our deepest sympathy to all the Bute family❤️
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Hope you get to spend time sharing precious memories.
Sending sympathy to the Bute family during this time of loss. His obituary was such a wonderful tribute to a life well-lived and a person very much loved. Take care.
To the Bute family sorry for your loss
An old neighbor and friend lots of memories . one when he and Donnis Malcom picked me up on Sunday in old hot rod went to a farm by Fairmont lots of girls came out the house followed little boy in diapers. Sorry for your loss he always knew me
My thoughts and prayers to the Bute family. I had the pleasure to work with Jim at Riverland. Jim was a true professional who loved his Diesel program and his students. He helped many students prepare for their new careers. Rest in peace Jim.
So sorry to hear of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. I went to school with Kim, Jeff and Pat in Alden.
Joyce Fethke-Block
To the Family of Jim
So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Jim while we both worked for the Burnau family and i always enjoyed visiting with him, we got to meet years later at Riverland when Mike retired. Great man who will be missed.
You are all in my Family`s thoughts and prayers.
You are all nestled gently in our thoughts. To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is to never die.
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I didn’t know Jim except through your stories, Marge. But if he picked you, he must be a keeper!!! Know I am thinking of you and your family.
I just read about Jim’s passing. My deepest sympathies go out to the whole Bute family for your loss.
Jim was a great man and one of my instructors when I attended ALAVTI. I remember him being very kind and patient with all his students. “RIP Doctor Detroit!”