Duane J. Butts , 71, 1616 46th Street S.E. Minot, and formerly of the Ryder area, died Thursday, June 21, 2007 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Duane was born July 20, 1935 at Ryder, North Dakota, the son of Charles and Agnes E. (Paulson) Butts. On July 21, 1935, his twin brother, Dean, came into this world. Duane was raised and educated in Ryder and Riverdale, ND. He graduated from Riverdale High School in 1954, and was united in marriage in 1958 to Mary Ann Witzigman in Riverdale.

After graduating from high school, Duane began his career as an Ironworker with the Local Union #793. He worked on many jobs as a foreman in North Dakota, Montana, and Washington. He also served as an assistant business agent for the Union in Bismarck. He was a tireless worker and took many young men under his wing to learn the trade. He received his 50 year pin for service to the Union in 2004.

Duane's passion was car racing. He built them, drove them, and then worked with his son, Mike on cars that Mike raced. He and Mike also managed the Hacienda Restaurant in Burlington for ten years.

Duane was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, the local Ironworkers Union #793, a former member of the NoDak Racing Club and an AA group in Burlington. He was a mentor to many and touched many lives throughout the years. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Duane's family includes : wife of 48 years, Mary Ann, sons Mike Butts of Minot, and his daughters, Kelsie Butts and AJ Kremer, Scott Butts and his wife, Maureen and their twin boys, Charlie and Johnny, Durham, N.C., daughters, Lori Barnstable and her children, Taylor, Tanner, Hope and Hunter of Fargo, ND, Tamara Butts and her daughter Hailie of Minot; great-grandchild, Dominic Butts; brothers, Dean (Barbara) Butts, Albany, OR, Richard (Penny)Butts, Minot and Arden (Carol) Butts, Minot; a number of nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Stanton and Robert, infant granddaughter, Faith Marie Butts.

Funeral service : Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Faith United Methodist Church, Minot.
Interment: Ryder Community Cemetery, Ryder.
Visitation : Wednesday from noon - 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Faith UMC.