Howard "Howie" Butler , 81, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2020 in 4000 Valley Square-Woodside Village in Grand Forks.

Howard Frank Butler was born November 29, 1938 in St. Paul, MN the son of Howard and Liberty (Hanson) Butler. He was raised in East Grand Forks, MN and graduated in 1956 from East Grand Forks Central High School. He went on to attend college and majored in Commercial Arts. Howie entered the United States Army on November 24, 1961 at Fargo, ND and served as a Supply and Control Clerk. He was honorably discharged from active military service on November 22, 1963 at Fort Hood, Texas. He returned to St. Paul and was employed with West Publishing. Howie moved to Grand Forks and was employed briefly with Charlie's Bakery. Later, he was employed as a supervisor in Computer Science Department of the University of North Dakota, until his retirement.

In his younger years, Howie was a lead singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter with a 50's garage band, "Howie Butler and The Reflections". Some of his compositions and music are being played in Europe today. Later in Life, Howie was inducted into the Midwest Rock in Roll Hall of Fame. He enjoyed painting, listening to music, composing music and fishing.

He is survived by his son, Jerry (Karen) Butler, North Dakota; his brothers, Donald Butler, Texas and Thomas Butler, Minnesota; his sisters, Patricia (Wayne) Kuhlman and Suzanne (Mark) Salmen, both of Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Richard Soby, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jennifer Butler, Kelli (Nick) Cuhaciyan, Christopher Butler, Katherine (John) Robert; great-grandchildren, Monique, Hunter, Caleb, Claire, Max and Alex; great-great-grandchildren, Angel, Leyla and Valentino; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carole Soby.

A Private Funeral Service: Will be held in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial: At a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Military Honors: Accorded at the time of Burial.