Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association

In Memory of each of our members who passes away, the MVMA donates toward the purchase of a book for the Veterinary Medical Library at the University of Minnesota to commemorate their career and honor their life. Personal memorial donations can also be made through the MVM Foundation.

Funk, Dr. William D. Age 80, of Maple Grove, passed away June 17, 2009. Preceded in death by mother, Viola, and grandson, Jeremy. Survived by beloved wife of 58 years, Mary; 9 daughters, Judi Funk, Joyce (Jerry) Roerig, Joan (Larry) Rothstein, Janet (Jerry) Bohman, Jayne Funk, Jean (Kevin) Landman, Julie (John) Leighton, Jacelyn (Warren) Hildereth, Jill Funk; 25 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and aunt Dorothy. A leader in the veterinary community, he was a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian for over 50 years. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports and outdoor hobbies, most of all golf, with his family. Even with a lifetime of dedication to the community, his family always came first. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all. If desired, in honor of Bill's life, donations may be made to the Minnesota Medical Foundation for the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of Minnesota.

Wallace James Butson was born September 18, 1918, the son of John Thomas and Emma Maline (Ostul) Butson, in Ghent, MN. He graduated from Marshall High School in

1936 and then from Iowa State University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1944. He married Winifred "Wink" Knuths of Ames, IA on December 14, 1944. Wallace served in the Army from 1942-1944 and then worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Minnesota and Mexico combating hoof and mouth disease. After several moves with his young family he established a thriving veterinary practice in Wells, MN, abd practiced from 1950-1986. He was a pioneer in Specific Pathogen Free hog production. In Wells, Wallace was a member of the volunteer fire department, school board, boar of directors of Wells Federal Bank, and an active member of Wells Uniter Methodist Church. He loved the land and was a passionate gardener, and he also enjoyed fishing. Wallace J. Butson died Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the Albert Lea Medical Center. He was 90 years, 5 months and 14 days of age. Wallace is survived by his wife Winifred "Wink" Knuths Butson of Wells, MN; children: Pemela Lund of New York, NY, John butson of Cove City, NC, James Butson, Michael Butson, Connie (Bill) Allis, all of Wells, MN, and Patrick Butson of Swansea, SC. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Joel (Amanda) Butson of Fairfax, VA, Scott Butson of Mountain View, CA, Erin Andrea, and Thomas Allis of Wells, MN, Jenny (Chuck) Parzych of Columbia, MO; and one brother Vernon Lee (Evelyn) Butson of Baxter, MN. He eas preceded in death by he parents.

New Ulm - Anton "Tony" Eckstein, who was a former mayor of New Ulm, served eight years as a state representative and was instrumental in getting the 20th South Street bridge built and the DNR regional headquarters for New Ulm, died Monday. He was 85. Eckstein died Monday at the Devine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Eckstein was bornn May 29, 1923, to Henry and Alma Dittrich Eckstein in Cottonwood Township. He served in the Army during World War II. Afterwards, Eckstein became a veterinarian. He was elected mayor in 1959 and stayed in that position until 1962. That same year, he was elected to the New Ulm City Council, where he served until he was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1970. Former city council president Dan Beranek remembed Eckstein as "quite the character and quite the individual." "Tony, Because he was a veterinarian, had one foot in the ag world and one foot in the business world, so he has a good background to be a legislator," Beranek said. Eckstein returned to his veterinary practice after his tenure in the Legislature. His office was in the brick building on 1st North Street across from the 1937 public library building. Eckstein kept his veterinary practice until 1983, when he went to work for the Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector. He served one more term on the council in the mid-to-late 1990s. Eckstein was also involved in auctions and sometimes brought home animals for his family or gave them away to others. "He was a hard-working man," said wife Harriet. "He loved his family but he loved his animals too." Arrangements are pending with Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm.

Swanson, Raymon B., Jr. (Doc)- Stillwater, MN passed away Wednesday, April 8th 2009. While leaving home to attend a Woodvet committee meeting at noon, Dr. Swanson slipped, fell and hit his head. He died at the scene. Dr. Swanson was an active lifetime member of the MVMA, and it's Council of Senior Vets and Public Health Committees. Ray's family is hosting an open house to celebrate his life on May 3rd, 2009 from 4-7pm at Hooley Hall on the Washington County Fairgrounds (at Manning Ave. and Hwy. 5, East of Lake Elmo.) All are invited to come and share memories of Ray's life with his family and friends. memorials preferred to the charity of the donors choice.