Joseph M. Butler, 74, Rapid City, S.D., died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, at Methodist Hospital, Houston Medical Center in Texas while awaiting a lung transplant.
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. Bishop BlasŽ Cupich officiated.
Joseph M. Butler was born in Lismore on Aug. 22, 1928, to Michael and Mary Butler. He served in the U.S Army in Alaska from 1946 to 1948. He earned a degree from Worthington Junior College in 1950 and a bachelor of science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1952. He graduated from the USD Law School in 1954. He was a partner in the Rapid City law firm of Bangs, MeCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons.
He served on the Pennington County Housing Authority and the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation.
Mr. Butler was a member of Phi Delta Phi, was awarded the prestigious McKusick Award from USD in 1985, was named the Avocate Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1990 and South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1994. He was a member of the International Association of insurance Counsel, a member of the International Society of Barristers, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was past president of the S.D. Trial Lawyers Association and also served on the South Dakota Judicial Qualifications Committee.
On June 10, 2002, he was recognized for his lifetime of accomplishments at a reception in his honor on Joe Butler Day, which was hosted by Gov. William Janklow.
Mr. Butler is survived by his wife, Barbara Butler, Rapid City; one brother, Jim Butler, Minneapolis; his mother-in-law, Vivien Ruhlman; his nephews and nieces, William, James, Beth, Peggy and Patricia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Jack Butler.
Osheim-Catron Funeral Home, Rapid City, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials will be directed to the scholarship fund at he University of South Dakota Law School Foundation, to HELD, a foundation that provides assistance to the elderly, or Youth & Family Services in Rapid City.