Eric Butcher
June 15, 1920 ~ April 26, 2017
Eric J. Butcher, Fargo, passed away at his home Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Eric was born June 15, 1920 Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, England to Fred and Ada Butcher, their 5th child. He had two brothers, Leslie and Thomas and two sisters, Freda and Rosalie. He attended National School at Thurleigh and Keysoe. After graduating he became a 5 year apprentice to the Tool and Fitting in the light and heavy mechanical industry. During WW II he worked on new and salvaged marine engines both diesel and steam, under the control of the British Admiralty.
In November 1950 he came to North Dakota and was a traveling evangelist for the Church of his faith. He came to Fargo in 1961 where he resided until his death. In February 1962 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Mae Justesen in Valley City, making their home in Fargo. They were privileged to have a Sunday morning Church Meeting in their home for 50 years. The first concern in his life was his spiritual welfare and his love for God. His faith in God was the directing influence of his life.
Eric worked for a number of mechanical contractors in eastern ND and then the last ten years as Mechanical Systems Supervisor at the former St. Luke’s Hospital (now Sanford Health) retiring in 1985. He was a 50 year + member of the Steam Fitters and Plumbers Local 300.
He was not a hunter or avid sportsman, but enjoyed outdoors and nature, observing the wonders of God’s creation, especially at their little cottage by Lake Tamarac for 38 years. Also he and his wife Evelyn liked to travel and visited most of the contiguous states and England 22 times, Jamaica, Cayman, Denmark, Sweden, France, Ireland and all of the UK.
He leaves to remember him his wife, Evelyn, 1 nephew, 3 nieces, and a number of grand nephews and nieces, all in England, nephews and nieces in the United States, and many friends and acquaintances. There were no children. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
There will be a visitation at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center Sunday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The funeral will be at Boulger Funeral Home at 10:00 am Monday with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 am.
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Dear Evelyn,
Thinking of you so much these days. So thankful for the faithful influence that you and Eric have been to me and many others through the years.
With care and much appreciation,
Charlene
What a pillar Eric was! His faith was as solid as the rock of Gibraltar. Father to no biological children, but father to a host of children. I can never forgot his guidance, love, patience with the young people attending SU. Over the years I heard many people mention that he was like a father to them. We all felt like Eric and Evelyn thought each of us were special not realizing so many people did. Faithfully he finishes. But his kindnesses will not be forgotten.
Dear Aunt Evelyn,
Remembering my inspirational uncle Eric always warms my heart. What a privilege to have known him as I grew up.
With deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for your loss.
Peace be with you, Darin Grenz
We’ve lost a special friend whom I’ve known since I was a little girl, a friend who was a wise counselor helping to guide those who looked to him for advice, a godly man whose guidance came from Heaven. We’ll miss him so much.
Roger and Patty Houkom Byers
Hugs to you Evelyn – thankful for all the times you & Eric welcomed me into your Fargo home & so glad for you living down the hall from my Mom now! Many good memories of Eric and thankful for all he did to encourage so many!
My parents, Bob and Irene Stickland, had the truth delivered to them by 2 of God’s servants; one being Eric in 1951. That choice has been good for many succeeding lives, since. I have enjoyed Eric’s memory and soft delivery of facts for many years as he would put forth his wisdom @ times of visits with all in the Ole’ Mens’ Qtrs. @ Mandan during breaks between meetings during our convention days.
Good Days to You, Evelyn, as YOU continue at the apartment location with all the friends. Lee
Evelyn,
We will miss Eric, but because of him it will remind me to look forward, I will be thinking of u.
Rich from Rapid City.
Dear Evelyn,
It was a privilege to know Eric and to feel his quiet faith….a true pillar among us.
Thoughts are with you at this time and will be in the future, Evelyn. So glad to visit
you at Park Avenue this spring! With love in Christ, Ardith Ellingson
Evelyn
My sympathies go out to you! Eric was a great mentor and friend to me and fellow workers at (St. Lukes, MeritCare) he will be missed. God Bless You Wes & Kim Borah
Dear Evelyn,
I cherish the memory of the trip we took to Emo convention nearly 20 years ago. I remember Eric being someone that I felt safe to confide in as he gave sage, encouraging, and kind advice. I know that my folks valued the friendship that they had with you and Eric. You have my sympathy. Please know that God will comfort you.
Dear Evelyn
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so thankful for those who stand strong in their faith, and for the wonderful, saintly influence you and Eric both have been. Many lives have been touched.
I pray that God could give you comfort and peace in your need.
Love you
Kim
Sixty six years ago Eric and Wilson emigrated to the US and ND on the cargo ship “American Chief” and they were friends a few years before that. We have always valued Eric and Evelyn’s friendship and the true course they set for Eternity. Now Eric is going on the last journey 7 months after his friend Wilson.
Dear Evelyn
Remembering you these days with Love in Prayers.
Thank you for the love and encouragement you both have shared with so very many over the years, especially the youth.
Joel and I are especially thankful for your care shown in great love.
Eric will be missed greatly.
You remain in our thoughts.
Love you.
Dear Evelyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Thankful for the many meetings we were able to attend with Erik and you. Eriks faithfulness will always be remembered. Many hugs from Sweden. With love in Christ. Ken Maria Dennis Lise-Marie Amanda Cecilia
Eric was one of the best of men put on this earth. His sage advice and knowledge of his occupational field helped and guided me through my career in HealthCare Engineering in so many ways, and I often think of him at my current workplace.
He often asked about my young family when we lived in Fargo, and the interest was genuine and heartfelt.
He was and will be one of God’s finest representatives to those who knew and loved him.
My sincerest condolences.
Dearest Evelyn , our hearts are with you and we send our love to you . Thankful for Eric and your influence through the many years we have known him and then you . We loved him and you more than words can say . Thank you for sharing your Eric with all of us . He has gained the final victory. What joy that gives us . We know you will greatly miss him but share your memories with us and know that we all care .
With our heart felt love , Judy and Swede Swenson
Dear Evelyn,
I’m thankful for the faithful example and encouragement both Eric and you have given to so many by your example.
Another faithful one has gone home.
With sympathy,
Melissa
I appreciated Eric for his honest and direct manner, he had unuche way of expressing his thoughts,
Dear Evelyn!
I’m sorry for your loss! I allways enjoyed coming to your house when we where traveling and the love and warmth you and Eric gave us. the lost of Eric will put a big hole in everyone! thoughts and prayers goes out to you!
love Dennis Swenson
Dear Evelyn:
I have such special memories of times with you both while I was in Fargo. If if weren’t for the two of you waking me and making me breakfast for those 6 weeks, I may not have graduated. I’ll always remember the times that Eric drove me to NDSU concerned that it was too cold to walk from the parking lot to my class on campus. You both were like grandparents to me. You were an encouragement to my faith as well. Thank you for your example in marriage. We love you.
I am thinking about you Evelyn. Eric was such a gentleman
I always admired both of you …
Much Love Always ~
Cheryl Justesen.
Margot Jandt
So sorry to hear of the passing of Eric. He was a true pillar in the Truth and will be deeply missed. A true light to those around him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all now at this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you. Uncle Eric was a special man!
Love, Ellen (Justesen) Carr
“O’er and o’er a voice is born to me, from the homeland of eternity…”
I remember Eric choosing and starting this hymn in the Sunday morning meeting when I was at NDSU and just getting my start. The obituary said “There were no children”, which is not exactly true. Eric and Evelyn were my parents in the truth, and I have said this to many friends over the years. I took my first step in that Sunday morning meeting in their home. Their steady influence week after week, and their love for an “outsider” helped to keep my faith alive during those college years. There was never any question what mattered most to Eric, and I rejoice today to know that he has finished well.
Evelyn, I know you will miss him dearly, and our thoughts are with you as you continue on the way.
Eric will live on in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of time with him and Evelyn.
Wonderful,kind ,and loving servants of God and his people
Dear Evelyn,
I would occasionally see the two of you on the walking track at FNHS.
Do you remember the morning Eric spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to me?
It was a lovely gesture, one I’ll always remember.
My sincere sympathy,
LuAnn Thompson Deibert
We’re grateful for you & Eric and your Godly, welcoming home where many have been encouraged, including our children. Love, Bob & Marcia Beth