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
John and Beth Pellosie says:
May 18, 2022
Bless and keep you and your family Bob; you were there for us, I’m sorry it is I just became aware of your passing. You and Harriet were the highlight to our Air Force experience and life.
Andrea "Andy," Fryt says:
June 8, 2022
Dear Harriett,
A flood of memories are flowing through my thoughts thinking back on the days at Eglin. Though our time there was short (2 for Mitch “Fritter” , 1 for me), Dr. Bob “Goldfinger” and you, Harriett truly left a happy mark. Sadly, we too are just learning of Bob’s/Goldfinger’s passing. Oh how sad I am to learn you lived in my hometown and the opportunities I missed not knowing you were not far from my parent’s home. Thank you both for all the memories. Thank you Dr. Bob/Goldfinger for being such an amazing person and flight surgeon to the 58th. Many loving and warm thoughts with you, Harriett.
Dave Collins says:
January 12, 2023
I worked with Dr. Buttemiller in the Phillipines and at Luke AFB in the 1970s . I was chosen by him to be his assistant in the delivery room helping him deliver babies. I had 13 years experience working in OB/GYN . He was an outstanding OB/GYN Doctor and a fantastic man.
Jake and Linda Moll says:
January 17, 2023
Dear Harriet,
We wondered why we didn’t hear from the Buttemiller Family at Christmas; we’ve always heard from you all since our days in the Philippines back in the late 70’s. When our Christmas card to you was returned, we knew things were not the same. We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing away last year. Bob was a good man in every way possible. We shall always have wonderful memories of his kindness, good humor, and most of all his immense love for his family. Our love to you and your family. -Linda and Jake Moll
Jacob T Moll says:
January 17, 2023
Dear Harriet, We missed your usual Christmas card ever since our days in the Philippines. Bob was a good man in every way possible. We shall always have wonderful memories of his kindness, good humor, and most of all his immense love for his family. Our love to you and your family. -Linda and Jake Moll.