Henry (Hank) Butenschoen

Henry (Hank) Butenschoen, of Bellingham, passed away peacefully at home Friday, January 26, 2024, at the age of 96.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sophia Butenschoen, his sons Randy and Greg Butenschoen, his brothers, Oscar, George, Bob, LeRoy, Chuck, his sister Alma Dockter, his great- granddaughter, Scarlett, and great-great-granddaughter, Ruth.   

Henry Clyde Butenschoen was born on January 23, 1928, in Milbank, South Dakota to George and Sophia Butenschoen. He grew up in a large loving family of nine brothers and two sisters. In 1946, Henry joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he excelled and obtained his Sergeant's stripes as a medical technician. After his honorable discharge in 1949, he moved to Bellingham, Washington. It was in Bellingham that he met the love of his life Alice Stevens, whom he married in 1951. Henry and Alice raised their children and touched many people’s lives during the seven decades they resided in Whatcom County.

Anyone who knew Hank will remember his unmatched work ethic. He was employed at a plywood plant, a siding manufacturer, and finally as a cameraman / pressman at Union Printing in Bellingham, where he retired after 34 years of employment. 

Henry enjoyed spending his free time camping, fishing, and hunting with his family and friends. His infectious laugh could be heard at many family gatherings and Butenschoen events. Many remember Henry as an ingenious handy man; he fixed a multitude of vehicles and always could figure out what was wrong with a person’s lawnmower, or most anything for that matter.  He was fiercely devoted to his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids; he would never turn down a chance to show his support of them at high school/college sporting events.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. 

Henry is survived by his wife Alice Butenschoen, children Steve (Mary) Butenschoen, Gary (Lisa) Butenschoen, Cheryl Brager, Karen (Scott) McKay and Marcia (Dan) Holz, brothers Walter, Ted and David and sister Dorothy. Henry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service celebrating Henry’s life will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226. There will be a reception immediately following in the adjacent Fellowship Hall at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2806 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.