John Davis Buttrey

Rev. Buttrey was our pastor at Gaylord UCC and he confirmed and baptized me. So sorry to hear of his passing. He taught me much. Berg sorry at his loss .

John was my tennis doubles partner in 1959-60 at Miami U. in Ohio. He was a fine athlete, and was admired by everyone. He was a brilliant student and went on to Yale Divinity School. It was a privilege to know John and to be his friend.

John was such an important person in my faith journey when he was a minister at UCCNB, and had truly shaped me as a loving, open, accepting Christian. He will be remembered always through those he touched and all who then lived in his legacy of Christian love. My thoughts and prayers to his loved ones. Valerie Carlson

I grew up in Gaylord, MN and Rev, Buttrey and his family came to the UCC there in 1963. I was ten and he was a forever influence in my life. I vividly remember him coming down the church aisle in his black robe following the choir on Sunday mornings. To me, at ten yo, he seemed larger than life. He was smiling and kind. I learned many life lessons from him during Confirmation class and Pilgrim fellowship. I also babysat precious Lisa and Amy. May he rest in peace. My love to Mary, you are forever in my heart. Pat Feehan Fredrickson

We remeber John smiling at us and make us feel good in a foreign country. He was so active, thoughtful, a good host, a loving husband and dad. John and Mary took care of our children. We are so grateful!
We wish we could be with you in this time of grief. Unfortunately, we are far away. However, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warm wishes to the family.

I remember the first time when I met John. He was waiting at the airport for me holding a sign with my name on it. I feel blessed that I had the chance to meet him since he is one of the most special people I have ever met. I will never forget him.
My thoughts will be with the whole family.
Hugs and kisses from Germany.

Our condolences to Mary and the family. I went to high school with John and enjoyed watching him play sports. I got to know him better after he moved back to Michigan while we planned many school reunions and luncheons for our
class. He was one of the nicest people to know. John was the kind of person that everyone should have as a friend. Mary, our thoughts and payers are with you and your family. He will be missed by many.

My son Nick and I came to UCCNB as unchurched people trying to find a place we fit.
I saw a blurb in the StarTrib about the church becoming open and affirming that resonated with me. I wanted to have my young son learn in that atmosphere of love and acceptance. John and Mary were the kindest, most welcoming, and generous people who gave us a wonderful place to land. We still talk about them fondly and are sad that John has moved onto a different place. Love to Marry and their family.

John was our family´s "North Star" as we raised our children, Laura and Lucas. We remain ever thankful for his presence in the life of our family.

John was the epitome of love, kindness and respect. He lived a beautiful life and raised a fantastic family with Mary. I´m grateful to have known him.

John Buttrey was my minister at UCCNB when I joined this wonderful community. I loved his preaching, his compassion, and his ability to keep his ministry in perspective through family, sports and friends. I loved driving by many mornings and stopping in just to have a cup of coffee with him. He was an important ally in my journey as a gay minister.

I`ll always remember John for his cheerfulness and vivacity. One memory that stands out in my mind is from when he led us in singing, "Sarasponda" at the campfire at Pilgrim`s Point.

God bless John Buttrey and the decades of service and ministry rendered at United Church of Christ in New Brighton, MN. Blessings to all who loved him and benefitted from having him in their life.