Dale Vern Butson

On Sunday, May 10, Dale Vern Butson, 69, of Hampton died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Dale was born on July 28, 1956, in Hampton, to Karl Vernon and Lena (Smidt) Butson. He graduated from Hampton High School and later attended Ellsworth Community College. On November 17, 2001, Dale was united in marriage to Janeen Hetland Powers.

Throughout his life, Dale relied upon his faith in Christ, and this was especially important during his health struggles in recent years. He frequently comforted others through his illness by relating his confidence in eternal life through Christ.

Dale also took great joy and comfort in his family and in farming. He grew up farming with his dad and brother, Darwin, and then continued farming with Darwin on the Butson family farm for more than 50 years, right up to Dale’s passing. He was fortunate enough this spring to work the ground and see this year’s corn crop coming up. In the midst of difficult times, he observed that he felt no pain while he was on a tractor. Dale loved spending time with his kids, his grandkids, and all his “bonus grandsons,” as well as with the families of Darwin and their sister, Joyce. He frequently made the long treks to Chicago and Louisville to visit his kids and grandkids, but he especially enjoyed when family and friends would join him on the farm. He was happy to open his home to others.

Dale picked up many hobbies and skills throughout his life. He built his dream shop a few years ago. His projects ranged from making flowers from scrap metal, designing windmills, and building many, many different items from woodworking. One of his primary goals in taking on these projects was to build something that he could give away to others. Dale was quick to help someone in need, could sing karaoke for hours, proudly supported “red” tractors over “green” ones in lively debates, and was always on the lookout for a “good” joke that he could share at a Lions meeting or with anyone who needed a laugh. He served faithfully at Zion Reformed Church as a member, deacon, and elder over the years. He will be remembered and dearly missed by many.

Dale is survived by his wife, Janeen of Hampton; his son, Kyle (Celia) Butson of Skokie, Illinois; his daughter, Andrea (Daniel) Stember of Louisville, Kentucky; his stepson, Colt (Kara) Powers of Hampton; his brother, Darwin (Teresa) Butson of Hampton; and his brother-in-law, John (Joyce) Kelley of Nora Springs, Iowa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hope (Jacob) Ackerman, Remington Powers, Joseph Powers, Lincoln Powers, Eleanor Stember, Willa Stember, and Zoe Stember; and his great-granddaughter, Grace Ackerman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joyce Kelley; and his infant brother, Keith Butson.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Zion Reformed Church in rural Sheffield, with a private family burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation, which will include a time of fellowship and refreshments, will be held from 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Zion Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later disbursement. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.