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BORN
1984
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Gretchen Butler Obituary
Saint Paul - Dr. Gretchen Wenner Butler, 36, of Saint Paul, Minn., was a bright star who burned out too soon. She unexpectedly died by suicide on March 5, 2021.
Gretchen Wenner was born on October 19, 1984, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the youngest of four children of Joseph and Mary (Legatt) Wenner. From an early age, Gretchen had an adventurous spirit. This spirit, combined with her boundless energy and many gifts, left those who met her with an unforgettable impression. She graduated from Saint John's Preparatory School and the University of San Diego, where she excelled at both academics and athletics.
Her zest for life and positive energy made for many shared adventures with her family and friends. One adventure on the ski slopes of Colorado led to Gretchen meeting her match in Michael Butler. They married on June 18, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring.
Gretchen earned her Doctor of Medicine from Creighton University's School of Medicine in 2013 and completed her residency and fellowship in Radiology at the University of Minnesota. She was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and earned honors as Chief Resident, Teaching Resident of the Year and Radiology Resident of the Year.
Gretchen was employed at Hennepin Healthcare, where she loved her work and her patients. Gretchen's work at Hennepin County Medical Center was particularly meaningful to her as it aligned with causes for which Gretchen advocated: Women's health, accessibility to healthcare for all and meaningful relationships between physicians and patients.
Her strong work ethic, openness to other perspectives and eye for detail made Gretchen an excellent radiologist and an entertainer extraordinaire. The only thing better than having Gretchen attend your party was having her plan it! She made everything she did more beautiful and more fun with her infectious laugh and kind heart.
Gretchen was a doting daughter, a loving wife, a skilled physician, an elegant hostess and a generous friend. While she had many accomplishments and excelled at all of these roles, nothing made her more proud or brought her more joy than her three children. The void left in the lives of those who loved her is beyond words.
Gretchen is survived by her husband, Mike, and their children, Hudson, Harriet and Oliver; her parents, Dr. Joseph and Mary Wenner, and her siblings, Dr. Christopher (Jennifer) Wenner and Dr. Rachel (Ted) Ruzanic, all of Cold Spring, and Dr. Michelle (Paul) Chestovich of St. Paul; her in-laws, Bob and Marian Butler of Westford, Mass.; a brother-in-law, Rob Butler of Philadelphia; 11 loving nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 11, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. COVID-19 precautions will be followed and masks are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00 pm and be viewable through a live-stream accessible at the Daniel Funeral Home website. Private burial will follow at Saint John's. In lieu of flowers, Gretchen's family invites you to make a memorial gift benefiting women's healthcare, or society's underserved and most vulnerable, all of which were causes for which Gretchen had tremendous passion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Butler
Sponsored by Daniel Funeral Homes - Saint Cloud.
KeptmeAlive
April 2, 2024
I do not know you but I have reread your obituary over the years of your passing; as a reminder to myself. You are witnessed
cindy melloy
March 2, 2022
Thinking of all of you with love on this difficult day! Gretchen touched so many and will never be forgotten!
Dino Guerin
May 19, 2021
So very sad, thoughts and prayers for your family, God bless us all.
Rachel Palbicki
March 19, 2021
My sincerest condolences to all the family for your incredible loss. I pray that God will continue to cover you all with His comforting arms and love. I worked with Dr. Butler from the time she started at Hennepin. She was the MOST gentle spirit I have ever had the pleasure of working with. No matter how busy our days would be, she always stayed so happy and calm and made everyone feel the same. She was patient and caring towards every single Patient and gave them all her undivided attention. Even though we were the same age, I looked up to her so much. Thank you for sharing your light with the rest of us.
Laurel & Paul Lomanno
March 17, 2021
Michael, our sincere sympathy to you, your family and those that loved Gretchen.
David A. Frenz, M.D.
March 13, 2021
I didn’t know Dr. Butler. I so wish that I could have helped her in life but stand ready to support her family personally and/or professionally in death. My wife and I would be happy to assist with meals, childcare, transportation, and so forth. Don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected]
Alicia Kowalski MD
March 12, 2021
As a physician and a human being, this breaks me. I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest w/ our Heavenly Father & the Blessed Mother. And may we doctors care for each other. Thru Christ our Lord. amen
Katie Dvoracek
March 12, 2021
Gretchen was such a lovely and inspiring friend and coworker. We worked together at Hennepin and she taught me so much about work and life. I left every conversation I had with her smiling. She knew how to make every situation fun and non stressful. I was always in awe when doing procedures with her in mammography, she would zip through them in confidence and before you knew it we were done and the patient was smiling. She made everything so fun, we had plans to go to an 80's rock concert this summer and she really wanted to get all dressed up and wear crazy makeup and crazy hair, its not something I would normally do but she made me so excited about it of course I was going to, I just couldn't say no to her ! :D Work and life will never be the same but I will continue to use all the advice she has taught me and remember her smile. My condolences to her friends and family.
Erin Lalley
March 11, 2021
Gretchen was an old soccer teammate of mine, and I was lucky enough to be in awe of her during those years and the years to come. It's been probably 20 years since I've seen her, but have kept up to date on her life through Facebook. Even though I haven't seen her in ages, her zest for life and adventure radiated whenever I'd come across a photo of her. She always amazed me - bright, funny, beautiful, and an unbelievable soccer player. Above all she was kind, and I will always remember that.
This beautiful tribute says it best; she was a bright light gone too soon. I'm so sorry to her friends and family, especially her husband and beautiful kids. Will be lifting you up in my prayers and hope you are able to find peace in the days ahead.
Tom Osteraas
March 11, 2021
Heartfelt condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael Asman
March 11, 2021
She was such a kind and caring person who uplifted all those around her and made the world a better place, she was a bright light that will be missed.
Luke Gaeckle
March 11, 2021
While my time with her was short, Gretchen made a lasting impact on me, and though I've regretfully failed to maintain consistent contact after my single year at St. John's, I've really been struggling with her passing. I can't imagine what those closest to her are feeling.
Gretchen was my first girlfriend. She was such a unique and caring person, filled with energy and quirk. She did so much to make me feel valued at an age in my life when self-esteem was in short supply. I decided not to attend St John's for a second year and I remember crying for half the drive back to my hometown of Sioux Falls knowing things could no longer be the same. Gretchen didn’t give up, however. In the months after my departure, she was sending me a steady stream of correspondence, written on Little Mermaid and Hello Kitty stationary in a variety of colored pens and adorned with stickers. I still have her letters and have been rereading them over the past days.
I am so saddened by the loss. She did so much to make me feel special and appreciated. I wish I had made more of an effort to stay in touch.
Andrea
March 10, 2021
To Gretchen’s Family: I don’t even know Gretchen but I know her spirit by all the stories I am reading. Please carry her in your heart each and every day knowing she did not want or to choose to leave you, she just did not know how to stay. May she rest in glory and peace, shining brightly upon her babies.
Nancy Luger
March 10, 2021
Thinking of all Gretchen’s loved ones. I was just learning how great she was to work with & all the amazing messages, stories only begins to highlight her significant impact. Such a terrible loss. My thoughts are with her family/friends during this very sad time.
Laura Edwards
March 10, 2021
My deepest condolences go to Gretchen’s husband, children, parents and family. I only knew Gretchen very briefly as an intern at Hennepin County Medical Center. I was going through a tough time and she met me with compassion and encouragement. She helped me to know that I would make it the other side, that I would come out on top. She had a knack for helping people to see the good in situations. I only had a few interactions with Gretchen but she definitely impacted my life for the better. As a fellow female physician, I am grieving the loss of such a Superwoman. My prayers are with you Gretchen and with all your loved ones.
Robert Erickson
March 10, 2021
Gretchen was a student of mine in grades nine and eleven at Prep. I remember her smiling most of the time, having boundless energy, and a welcoming spirit. Ever since hearing the news, I have felt shock, and my heart aches for those close to her. I especially think of her wonderful parents and siblings--I cannot comprehend what you must be enduring now. You are certainly in the thoughts and prayers of those of us at Prep.
One quick Gretchen story--the image I most think of during her time at Prep. One day in English 9, I brought a pair of size 19 basketball shoes to show the class (worn by a former player, not by me). Gretchen asked if she could try them on, and when I said yes, she asked if she walk in the hallway with them. Turns out, she stomped up the four flights of stairs all the way to the fishbowl to show off her new kicks to the upper class students. I recall the sheer joy on her face and her laughter as she walked around with shoes that fit right over what she already wore. Now, when I look at those shoes, I think not so much of the player who wore them but of young Gretchen Wenner spreading her everlasting spirit to others. She was wonderful.
Kari Miller
March 10, 2021
My prayers are with the Wenner & Butler families, as well as all who knew Gretchen. No words make this loss any easier. May God wrap his loving arms around everyone to provide comfort now & in the days to come.
Marlys Gall
March 9, 2021
My condolences to the whole family and friends. I now live in Australia and just heard sad news. i had worked at Womens n Childrens with Mary n Paul and Joe. I am so sorry. sending hugs n healing. Marlys (Lickteig) Gall
Diane G Farraher-Smith
March 9, 2021
Dear Michael, Bob, Marian, Rob and all of Gretchen's family, our deepest sympathy to you at this time. A tragic loss..may the support of family and friends as well as the loving memories of Gretchen help you through this difficult time. Fondly, Diane Farraher-Smith and Jim Smith
Ruth
March 9, 2021
To Gretchen’s husband, children, parents and siblings: As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
You all will be in my prayers.
Ruth (Testa) Labat
JenniferDeCubellis
March 9, 2021
I did not have the honor of knowing Gretchen - but as I see the impact as CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, across our entire organization in the wake of her loss, it is truly clear what an impactful soul she was- to colleagues, to our community, and to every patient she touched. Hennepin Healthcare is highly mission focused and our team members are family- she was cherished by this team end to end. We are committed to honoring her memory, living out our mission for individuals at highest need- her heart made us soar and we will continue to do so in her honor. In health and healing and with deepest sympathies- Jennifer
Mrs.A
March 9, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Poquette
March 9, 2021
I had the pleasure of coaching Gretchen at St. John's Prep. I am so sad to hear of her passing . My sincere condolences to the family. May she rest in peace.
Mr. Brian Athmann
March 9, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Gretchen’s family. Gretchen was one of my favorite little students in Saint Boniface Shared time Physical Education classes. She did have a way of brightening everyone’s day. Prayers to Gretchen’s husband and children.
Jackie Geissler, MD
March 9, 2021
Gretchen will be missed dearly. She was fantastic to work with, and I’m so sad for her friends, family, and colleagues. My heartfelt condolences.
Celeste Porter
March 9, 2021
Gretchen was a bright light. I called her a co worker and friend. She was the most amazing woman and I can't believe she is gone. She was loved by everyone she met. My heart goes out to her family and children in this tough time.
Erinn Bineham
March 9, 2021
I went to the Prep School and played soccer with Gretchen, and I wanted to reach out with condolences. I am so sorry to the entire family, and I cannot imagine your grief. It really struck me to read "This spirit, combined with her boundless energy and many gifts, left those who met her with an unforgettable impression." Although I hadn't seen or spoken with Gretchen in at least 15 years, she has entered my mind countless times over the years because I remember this spirit well, and it definitely left an impression on me. When I was a terrified and awkward 7th grader, Gretchen was the first person, on the first day of soccer practice, to welcome me to the Prep community, and she was always kind and generous to me and to all her teammates. Gretchen inspired me, and I looked up to her. My heart is sad with this news, and my thoughts are with you all.
With love, Erinn
Elaine and Gerry Francis
March 9, 2021
Michael, please accept our sincerest condolences. May God bless you and your family in this time of mourning.
Cindy and Tom melloy
March 9, 2021
We are so deeply sad to hear of the loss of your precious Gretchen and can’t fathom the depth of your sorrow. She was an amazing, one in a million person, who touched more lives in a short time than we could even dream of. I know you have so many great memories and I hope they will be a source of some comfort during the difficult journey ahead. Our prayers are with you and your entire family
Michele Gerhartz
March 9, 2021
Words cannot express how devastating your loss is. My thoughts and prayers are with her family members and friends. I will miss my conversations with Gretchen. She was so happy and caring. She always inquired about how I was doing and about my family. She will be greatly missed.
maria kaefer
March 9, 2021
Dear Family of Gretchen,
I did not know Gretchen, but am a colleague of hers at Hennepin Healthcare, and she helped my patients when they needed radiology exams. I wanted to send my love to you all as you work through the grief of this tremendous loss. i have made a donation to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic in Worthington, MN in Gretchen's name.
Karen Backes
March 9, 2021
I am so very sad to hear this! My thoughts and prayers to all of you!
Yvonne Schilplin and sons (Freddy and Chad)
March 9, 2021
Heart wrenching news. Prayers and peace to you all.
Kevin Riddle
March 9, 2021
We at Children's send our deepest sympathies to Mike, his children and extended family. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sad time.
Liz Sabbatini
March 9, 2021
Our whole family is devastated by the loss of your precious Gretchen. From the earliest ‘Firecracker’ moment through the family weddings she was an amazing joy and there are no words to express how sad we are, let alone how sad you must all be, at the loss of her bright spirit. Prayers, deepest sympathy and much love from all the Sabbatinis.
Elton Joan
March 8, 2021
Words cannot express how much our hearts ache for you at this profoundly sad time. We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Joan Elton
Jon Dennis; Sigrid A Hedman-Dennis
March 8, 2021
We cannot imagine the tears and the pain and can only say that we are so profoundly sorry this happened to this beautiful person and your family.
Greg Stalboerger
March 8, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss, you and Gretchen are in my prayers.
Natarajan Raman MD
March 8, 2021
Gretchen was the kindest physician I have ever met in 30 years of medical practice. She had a live beating heart that spoke for the less privileged. Her skill both professionally and as a human to reach out too were amazing. May God Almighty in his infinite wisdom grant her lasting peace and bring solace to her family.
Ashley Hahn
March 8, 2021
Gretchen, your had such a kind and loving heart. I am glad Hailey introduced us to each other back in middle school while you were attending St John’s preparatory. It was your openness and caring personality that drew people to you. You will forever be missed. Love, Ashley Hahn
Barbara Olson
March 8, 2021
Gretchen was a bright light who cared so much about the people around her. The VA ultrasound crew were always happy and excited when she was working with us. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are.
Barbara Olson
March 8, 2021
Gretchen was a bright light who cared so much about the people around her. The VA ultrasound crew were always happy and excited when she was working with us. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are.
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