Patrick “Pat” R. Buttweiler

Age: 92

March 17, 1930 – September 25, 2022

Services celebrating the life of Patrick “Pat” Buttweiler, age 92 of St. Cloud, will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 7, at St. Mary’s Cathedral lower church in St. Cloud.  There will be a gathering between 10:00 AM and the time of the service on Friday at the church in St. Cloud.  Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) in 1930 in Spring Hill MN, to Leo and Helen (Kuffel) Buttweiler. His given name was Robert Patrick which he changed to Patrick Robert upon his return from Korea because everyone had called him Pat, Patrick or Paddy since the day he was born. After moving 8 times with his family he finally arrived at Rockville, MN the place he called home, and where he met his best friend and the love of his life, Renee Schneider. We’re sure Renee strongly suggested they marry and they did so on July 10, 1954. Pat and Renee were married for 68 years.

Dad would tell us every day that today was the best day to be alive because he believed in being positive, no matter the day or circumstance. As a teenager that was annoying for his children to hear, but as adults it has been a gift. He loved to work and while the jobs were all in different industries, the common thread was sales. Dad sold cookies and crackers, appliances with NSP, Blue Bird buses and truck accessories at North Central Coach where he was a business partner and owner, and lastly, headstones at Monuments Sales. Dad loved to be on the road because he was always curious about what lay ahead. Peter got him to his 49 ^th State but we fell short of his goal of all 50; he never made it to Alaska. His method of transportation varied with each destination, one year it was a 90 passenger Blue Bird Bus that the 6 of us picked up in Fort Valley, GA and drove back to St Cloud. Golf was another passion of dad’s and he was so proud of Renee when she took up the sport. The one and only  family tradition we had was to go Turkey Checking on Thanksgiving.  We carried this tradition on for over 60 years, dad and his children in tow, going to friend’s and family’s homes to judge their holiday turkey, with everyone hoping to win that year’s prize for the best looking turkey! We even went to some homes of people that we really didn’t know so well! Ruth moved to Brookings, SD and 3-months later during a Thanksgiving spent there, dad suggested we do a “turkey check” at the homes of Ruth’s friends. Ruth mentioned a woman she had met so we all trooped over to the surprised homeowner, and in the process we made a new, life-long friend.

Pat’s gift was connecting to strangers and making them his friends. You usually heard him arrive before you saw him, a song on his lips ready to share with you. He lived his life with decency, dignity, and modesty. His Catholic faith and traditions gave him comfort throughout his life and his faith never wavered, God was always present in his life.

Pat is survived by his children: Nancy Buttweiler, Hudson, WI; Kate O’Loughlin, Denver, CO; Ruth (Jim) Rice, Hudson WI; and Peter (Mary Beth) Buttweiler, Rocklin, CA. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Doris Smith, Rockville, MN and Barb (Dave) Guggenberger, Waite Park, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Renee, sisters, Gizella Castoglioni, Alma Baum, Mary Taufen, and his favorite brother, Earl Buttweiler and sister-in-law Joan Kowalkowski. Dad also leaves behind the many wonderful friends who enriched his life and gave him so much joy and happiness.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the St. Croix Hospice and the VA for their commitment to dad’s well-being.

Schedule and Information

Services celebrating the life of Patrick “Pat” Buttweiler, age 92 of St. Cloud, will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 7, at St. Mary’s Cathedral lower church in St. Cloud.  There will be a gathering between 10:00 AM and the time of the service on Friday at the church in St. Cloud.  Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Visitation and Service Location

St. Mary’s Cathedral

25 8th Ave South

Saint Cloud, MN 56301

Visitation and Service Map