Marty Buttke

Marty Buttke, 75, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Milbank Area Hospital - Avera Health in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church and will close with a prayer at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Curtis Simonson will officiate, and interment will be at the Milbank Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Marty Jo Buttke was born on February 20, 1950, in Milbank, SD, to Eldred and Alma (Fischer) Buttke. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Corona, attended school in Corona, and graduated in 1968.

Growing up, Marty helped his family with daily chores, especially milking cows, a task he often described as peaceful. After graduation, he worked at Dorale Electric in Milbank for a couple years while also completing home electrical courses. Though he did not finish the program, he continued to use his electrical skills to help with wiring projects on weekends.

In 1972, Marty began his lifelong career as a stone cutter at Dakota Granite, where he worked faithfully for 43 years until his retirement. Retirement didn’t slow him down, Marty enjoyed staying busy and being around people. He went on to work at Berens stocking shelves, mowed for Kelly Kutters, sold monuments for Custom Stone Creations, and served as a Grant County Commissioner.

On September 8, 1984, Marty married Debra “Deb” Wohlenhaus in Milbank, SD. The couple was blessed with children: Jeffrey and Kristi. They made their home in Milbank but enjoyed their cabin on Big Stone Lake, which they purchased in 1992.

Faith was an important part of Marty’s life. He was formerly a member of American Lutheran Church and most recently a member of Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Over the years, he served in many church roles, including as vice president of the church council. He enjoyed fellowship with the Corona Coffee Crew, Saturday Card Club, and Coffee Fellowship at Living Word Lutheran Church. In earlier years, he was also a member of the Wilmot Snowmobile Club.

Marty will be remembered as a kind, generous man who was always willing to lend a hand, whether delivering Meals on Wheels, giving rides, or helping neighbors. Around town, he was often seen cruising in his golf cart, always stopping to chat with friends. At the lake, he and Deb loved teaching others how to water ski and enjoyed countless days boating together. Marty also gave back in a very special way, through his commitment to blood donation. He was proud to receive his 10-gallon pin.

Marty had a big heart, a quick wit, and the gift of gab; he always had a smile to share. His presence brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered.

He was survived by his wife, Deb of Milbank, SD; children: Jeffery (Shakira) Buttke of Austin, TX; Kristi (Scott) Schladweiler of Watertown, SD; beloved granddaughter, Charlotte Schladweiler; siblings: Brian (Susie) Buttke of Corona, SD; Regina (Leslie) Rethke of Milbank, SD; Ronda (David) Hanson of Corona, SD; Brent (Renae) Buttke of Corona, SD; Bradley (Donna) Buttke of Corona, SD; and James Buttke of Spearfish, SD; mother-in-law, JoAnn Wohlenhaus; brothers-in-law: Doug (Linda) Wohlenhaus of Wheaton, MN and Dean (Marilee) Wohlenhaus of Fergus Falls, MN; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents: Eldred and Alma Buttke; father-in-law, Lyle Wohlenhaus; and his favorite dog, Dream.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the Living Word Lutheran Church Building Fund.

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