Herbert Rogers Butler

Herbert Rogers Butler resided in Spencer, Iowa all his life. He was affectionately called “Herbie” by everyone that knew him. He was 69 years old, passing away in the early evening at his home comforted by his family and oldest friend on February 16th, 2026.

Herbie was born on September 15, 1956 in Iowa City, Iowa to Herbert Sherman Butler and Shirley Annette Marble. He was the second youngest of 5 children: Wanda, Connie, John and Fayette. He received his diploma from Spencer High School.

Herbie met his wife, Pamela Sue Butler, while attending Spencer High School. Pam relocated to Spencer in her teenage years from Seymour, Indiana. From that point on, they remained together ultimately culminating in 49 years of marriage.

Herbie and Pam had two children: Anthony Rogers Butler and Lisa Marie Levisay. Tony graduated from Spencer High School and married his high school sweetheart, Ashley. They moved to California and Japan while Tony pursued his nearly 21-year career in the Navy. Upon his retirement from the Navy, they relocated back home to Spencer.

Lisa graduated from Spencer High School and also moved away for a period to attend college at Mount Mercy on an athletic scholarship to obtain her nursing degree. She married Shea Levisay, and they resided in Cedar Rapids for several years prior to relocating closer to home in Ruthven. She currently works as a nurse at the Avera Clinic here in town.

Herbie remained in Spencer for his entire adult life, first working at Gustoff Salvage, then working out towards Dickens, Iowa for his lifelong friend Jim Dean at Country Ford Tractor. He eventually finished the last of his 24 working years at the Merrill Company here in town. He was always a heavy hitter for his kids. He was at every sporting event that they had. No matter how far the travel of length of the trip, he could be seen in the corner somewhere with the video camera rolling so we could play back the game film when we got back home. Even after the sporting events wound down, there were usually only ever three shirts you could catch him in: A Navy, Mount Mercy, or University of Iowa shirt, always.

His supportive spirit eventually expanded to his three grandchildren: Brock, Hailee, and Barrett. Always seeking out a way to spend time with them and when he wasn’t, he was always thinking of something they needed that he could spoil or surprise them with. He would share time with them hunting, fishing, or have them hanging upside down under a hood of something.

Herbie is survived by his wife Pam, his children: Tony, (Ashley), Lisa (Shea); his sister, Fayette and a large group of nieces and nephews.