Larry D Butterfield

Larry Butterfield, 85, of Beloit, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at Mitchell County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry and his twin brother, Garry, were born on February 8, 1940, in Atkinson, Nebraska, to Justin and Mable (Gaughenbaugh) Butterfield. From the very beginning, family played a central role in Larry's life.

He graduated from Inman High School in 1957 and soon after married the love of his life, Kay McCarthy, on May 21, 1960, in O'Neill, Nebraska. This year, they celebrated 65 devoted years of marriage. A union filled with adventure, hard work, and unwavering love.

In the early years, Larry worked alongside his twin brother Garry, brothers Chuck, Jack, Arlee and in the later years Danny joined them in the telephone construction business, a career that took them across the Midwest. He and Kay lived in 26 different towns in four states before finally planting roots in Beloit, Kansas, where they would raise their family. Larry's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found L & K Construction with Kay in the late 1960s, making their mark in the industry.

A true pioneer at heart, Larry became a licensed pilot and proudly owned a Cessna 182 during the late 1960s to early 1980s. He was known to fly parts out to remote job sites, landing on dirt roads with confidence and grit. One of his greatest joys came just a few years ago when he reunited with the plane's current owner at Rolla Municipal Airport. Though offered a flight, he humbly declined, letting his son, Larry Jr., take to the skies in his place.

Larry's deep appreciation for nature and wildlife inspired him to begin raising buffalo in 1978. The herd that would eventually grow to 400. With increasing interest in the low cholesterol and health benefits of the buffalo meat, they opened Butterfield's Buffalo Meat store and sold the meat locally and delivered and shipped the meat nationwide. His commitment to the industry was evident in his 18 years with the National Buffalo Association, including three as its president. Alongside his son, Larry Jr., he built and installed buffalo handling equipment throughout the country, always working with care and integrity.

Larry and Kay discovered their second home in Hawaii after their first visit in 1974. They spent the last 15 winters on the Big Island, whale watching, enjoying volcano displays, and sharing picnics on the beach. They made countless cherished friendships there, and for Larry, Hawaii became a place of peace, wonder, and deep joy "Paradise" in the winter and Kansas in the summer.

Larry's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Kay, and their children: Larry (Julie) Butterfield of Billings, MO; Julie (Dan) Ellenz of Beloit; Tammy Wessling (Dennis) of Beloit; and Jeff (Jenny) Wessling of Beloit. He was a proud grandfather to Keri (Ben) Byers; Nicole (Seth) Hemmy; Brandon (Sabine) Butterfield; Garrett Ellenz; Brad (Lyn) Ellenz; Jenilynn (Thane) Beckman; Jerrica (Shawn) Heidrick; and Josh (Chantell) Wessling. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Benson and Brooks Byers; Will and Sophie Hemmy; Ollie Butterfield; Ava, Luke, Charlie, and Anna Ellenz; Kale and Kaden Wessling; and Brenilynn Spiess.

He is also survived by siblings Chuck (Linda) of McPherson, KS; Dan (Linda) of Gothenburg, NE; and sister Karen Wiseman of Grand Island, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: his twin brother Garry, Donald, Arlee, Charlotte, Shirley, and Jack.

Larry Butterfield will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a bold entrepreneur, and a man whose life was guided by family, faith, and purpose. His impact will live on through the countless lives he touched  a legacy rooted in love, adventure, and dedication.

A visitation will be held at Roberts Family Funeral Service on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with family present from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. A rosary will follow at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials can be may be given to Summer Kids Cafe or St. John's Catholic School.