Robert Buttemiller MD
Passed: January 10, 2022
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Robert Buttemiller MD
Passed: January 10, 2022
Obituary
Colonel (Ret.) Robert Buttemiller MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away January 10, 2022. Bob, aka “Dr. Bob”, Dad and G-Pa, was known for his quick wit, photographic memory and contagious personality. Bob was always the life of the party and entertained everyone with his amazing one-liners.
Robert Buttemiller (Bob) was born to Dr. George Buttemiller and Beverly Glueck Buttemiller October 9, 1941 in Libertyville, IL. He was the valedictorian of Libertyville High School class of 1959 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University in 1963 where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He attended Northwestern Medical School and graduated at the top of his class as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. In 1969 he was drafted into the United States Air Force where he became a decorated officer and flight surgeon. Over the next 30 years he was stationed in various places including The Philippines, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, California, New Mexico and Arizona where he and his wife, Harriet, made lifelong friends. He served as the hospital commander at Luke AFB, Arizona and subsequently retired to Litchfield Park, Arizona in 1994.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Harriet, his three children Maggie and husband Jeff Dietert of Houston, TX, Carrie and husband Peter DeWitt of San Antonio, TX , and John and wife Sara Buttemiller of Palm Desert, CA ,as well as six grandchildren, Carlie and Kyle Dietert, Jack and Charlie DeWitt, and Natalie and Henry Buttemiller. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly “BG” Bates and his nephew, Christian Bates of Bolinas, CA.
He is preceded in death by his mother Beverly Glueck Buttemiller, father Dr. George Buttemiller and stepmother Dr. Audrey Buttemiller.
In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family prefers a donation be made to a charity of your choosing in his honor.
10 responses to Robert Buttemiller MD
Bob and Karen Braatz says:
January 25, 2022
Dear Harriet,
Bob and I were just told of Bob’s passing. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Bob was just remembering flying with your Bob and our son, Rob was talking about what at sense of humor he had. Our memories of being with you and Bob are treasured.
We pray for your peace.
With our love,
Bob and Karen
Ann Zell says:
January 27, 2022
Dear Harriet,
We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We fondly remember the fun chats we had with Bob over the fence during our 15 years living next door. We smile when we think of our dog pushing her ball through the fence and Bob’s willingness to toss the ball for her over and over. Bob always greeted us with kindness. Our hearts go out to you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort today and all your tomorrows.
Ann & Ken Zell
Tim and Kate Cloonan says:
February 3, 2022
Harriet; just learned of Bob’s passing. What a good guy, excellent officer, commander, and friend. Working with Bob at Luke, was best part of my USAF MC career.
I fondly remember the good times Bob’s team building skills.
Was my privilege to be part of ‘ Goldfinger’s’ team.
With utmost respect Tim and Kate Cloonan
Robert Hahn says:
March 5, 2022
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We went through grade school and high school together. Re- connected at a mini reunion at our home in Scottsdale,where we joked about Bob finishing 1st in our class,and me finishing near the bottom. will miss an old classmate. Class act guy.
Alex PERROT and Fran McGOVERN says:
April 4, 2022
Dear Buttmiller Family
I am so sorry to hear the news of Dad’s passing and now your lovely mother Harriett.
What a dynamic couple they made over the years! Dad-ever the wit and bon vivant and Mom, the hostess with the mostest. We enjoyed so many happy times both at the Officers Club at Luke and their lovely home on the golf course.
Every year we would take down the Christmas tree and guess how many ornaments there were – (around 700) followed by a great dinner with so much fun and camaraderie.
Nobody loved life more than your parents or lived it larger. They will be sorely missed along with the famous annual Christmas card!