Irene Butrum

Irene Mary Butrum (VanAllen): A Life Devoted to Faith and Children

Irene Mary Butrum (VanAllen), of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Irene's life was a testament to her deep faith and boundless love for children, touching countless lives through her dedicated ministry and compassionate care.

Born on February 16, 1934, to Mary and Roy VanAllen in Berne, Minnesota, Irene was one of four children, including Arthur, Maxine, and Alice. She attended country school and graduated from West Concord High School, where her roots in the community and faith, nurtured at Zwingli United Church, began to deepen.

On November 30, 1956, Irene married William Vernon Butrum, and together they built a loving family with their four children.

Irene's true calling was evident in her unwavering commitment to children and her spiritual journey. For over 25 years, she was a dedicated Sunday School teacher in Rochester, shaping young hearts and minds. Her passion extended to over 35 years in ministry, where she was known for her heartfelt mission to "win souls." Beyond formal instruction, Irene's home was a haven for children, as she provided loving daycare for friends and family for over five decades. She truly loved all children and they, in turn, adored her.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Roy VanAllen, her husband William V. Butrum (Bill), her brother Arthur, and her sister Maxine.

She is survived by her sister, Alice; her daughter, Dawn Pruett and her husband Mike Pruett(granddaughter Jessica Taylor and her husband Jeb Taylor, great-grandchildren Olive Taylor, Braxton Taylor, and Gavin Taylor), grandson Justin Pruett, her son Jeff Butrum and his wife Lisa Butrum (granddaughter Danielle Butrum); her son John Butrum and his wife Lisa Butrum (grandsons John Butrum  Jr. and Nathan Butrum, granddaughter Olivia Butrum, great-grandson Sylas Hampton); and her son Jason Butrum and his wife Kelly Jacobson-Butrum (granddaughter Madeline Butrum, grandson Jack Butrum, step-granddaughter Sawyer Jacobson).

Funeral service will be held at Maxon Family Cremation and Life Celebrations 1624 37th Street Northwest, Rochester, Minnesota 55901. On Saturday June 21, 2025 at 11:00am with Visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am

The burial will follow the service at Berne Cemetery. 

If you wish to donate to charity in lieu of flowers, please consider donation to Mayo Clinic Research at https://Give.mayoclinic.org