"Butch" Myron William Rafferty 1943—2021
Myron "Butch" Rafferty, lifelong farm boy from Durand, IL passed away at his home after a short illness on April 3, 2021. Born in Durand, Butch graduated from Durand High School class of 1963. He attended DeVry Tech in Chicago, and then joined the United States Air Force, serving for five years as a nuclear weapons specialist. He married Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Greene in 1965. He started work at Rockford Blacktop Construction Company in 1968 as a computer technician and worked his way up to president, retiring in that position after 43 years. After his retirement, Butch and Betsy spent time traveling the world together, eventually visiting all seven continents. When he wasn't traveling, he spent many happy days fishing at Otter Bay, Ontario, and walking in the woods with his dogs. Butch spent his free time helping others constructing houses, schools, museums, barns, businesses, planting trees, and cutting firewood. He brought home buckets of tractor parts and turned them into an award-winning collection of his beloved Allis Chalmers tractors in his magical tractor barn. In 2019, he moved to Kerrville, TX to escape the Illinois winters.
His gift of administration made him president of every organization he ever joined. For 15 years he served Christian schools, orphanages, and a university in Central Asia. He served as president of the International University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan where he provided scholarships to over 50 children and young adults.
He was a man of integrity, generosity, a problem solver, visionary, lifelong follower of Jesus and a patriot.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, his mother Frances (Alberstett) Rafferty of Durand, IL, son Sean (Laura) Rafferty, Kerrville TX; daughter Andria (Dave) Wekenmann, Durand IL. Grandchildren: Travis (Kelsey Obert) Rafferty, Emily Wekenmann, Jason (Amanda Cline) Smith, Cassandra (Joey) Ovalle, Adam Wekenmann, Cory Wekenmann, numerous great grandchildren, brother-in-law Jim Klus, nieces and nephews who all called him their "favorite uncle," and many kids in Kyrgyzstan who called him "Grandpa Butch."
He is predeceased by his father, William Lawrence Rafferty; sister Jean Mary (Rafferty) Klus; and granddaughter Dakota Suzanne Rafferty.
A memorial service to celebrate Butch's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to Central Asia Sharing Aid.
Expression of sympathy for the Rafferty family can be sent to www.wrightsfuneralparlor.net
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Wright's Funeral Parlor, Kerrville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Apr. 9 to Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Myron Rafferty

Sponsored by Wright's Funeral Parlor - Kerrville.

7 Entries

Ron Radliff

April 14, 2021

I have many fond memories of Myron while stationed together in North Dakota in the Air Force. He was a good friend and fun to be with. Even back then, he had a penchant for helping others. I recall one such incident where he recruited a group of us fellow workers to help sandbag a flooding river in a town in Minnesota, about 45 miles from base.
RIP, my friend. It was my honor to have known you.

Zalina

April 13, 2021

Butch was a man with a big, kind and open heart. His willingness and readiness to support people as a chairman, colleague and just a human is very much appreciated not only by me, my family, but many families and young hearts in my country. I am happy to have met and worked with him in Mercy Foundation, International University in Kyrgyzstan. I am also sure that he had lived a beautiful and happy life together with his family, friends, colleagues and many grand/great-children. I will miss him. May his soul rest in peace!

Gary Nedelisky

April 13, 2021

Sorry to hear about Butch passing. He was a generous person who made a difference in my life! I am grateful to have known him, and am certain he will be missed by many. My thots a prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Altynai (Ally)

April 12, 2021

Grandpa Butch was a hero for many kids in Central Asia. We were enormously blessed by him and his gracious and diligent work in Kyrgyzstan. The legacy he left behind will continue changing lives of kids and families every day. His faithfulness to God and wholehearted devotion to the ministry of spreading the kingdom of God will be producing fruits for generations to come. It’s written in Isaiah 57:2, “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Grandpa entered into peace. One day we’ll meet again in heaven, but by then he’ll be deeply missed.

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Gary & June Sher

April 11, 2021

Though we only knew Butch for a short time, our lives were blessed by knowing him. He was a servant of the Lord which were known by his actions. May be rest in peace.

Garry & Dolly Wloughby

April 10, 2021

Butch was in our lives such a short time, but I will always remember his friendship and love of our Lord.

Butch Taylor

April 10, 2021

Good guy Greater friend

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