Kenneth "Butch" Fee

Kenneth “Butch” Le Roy Fee was born March 10, 1942 to Everett and Ina Pauline (Van Benthuysen) Fee, in Marion County, Iowa. He passed away at The Cottages in Pella, on January 11, 2023 at the age of 80 years.

Butch grew up on a farm near Knoxville, Iowa, living at home under the care of his parents due to his special needs. His father passed away when Butch was 32, and in 1987, at the age of 45, he came to live at the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella. Just two years later his mother passed. Butch was in a place that loved and cared for him dearly, but as an only living child, Butch was left without a family. Both Rob and Sandy (De Ruiter) Blom, as college-age staff of COC at the time and who worked with Butch, recall the staff being asked if anyone who knew and loved Butch would be interested in having guardianship of him. Butch was known to visit Rob’s home and had become an endearing part of the Bloms’ life. Rob was interested, and his father Herb Blom graciously agreed to join him in becoming legal guardians of Butch, a lifetime commitment. Butch was even the honorary best man at Rob and Sandy’s wedding. Sandy later joined the guardianship.

Butch continued to live and thrive at COC, participating in their workshop programs during the day, and activities in the evenings. He was adored by the COC staff, as so many were devoted to him and his care, advocating on his behalf, supporting him in ways that allowed him to be his best. He loved dogs, horses and tractors, taking rides, and, for being mostly non-verbal, was very friendly and social with the people he met. With his beautiful soul, Butch truly touched others in ways that made us all better people.

Butch was a part of the Blom family; their children Morgan, Riggen and Caleb grew up knowing and loving Butch. For years when he was physically able, Butch would gather with the De Ruiter and Blom families for holidays, simple car rides, and visits to their homes. Butch moved to The Cottages in December where he continued to be loved upon by their staff. As his health declined, and under the compassionate care of Hospice, he peacefully entered the presence of Jesus.

Butch is survived by his wonderful COC family, and the families of his guardians: Herb Blom, Rob and Sandy Blom, all of Pella, their daughters Morgan Blom of Pella and Riggen Blom of Cedar Falls, and their son Caleb Blom of Pella.

Butch was preceded in death by an infant older brother, Larry Eugene Fee (4 months), and his parents Everett and Pauline Fee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Christian Opportunity Center in Pella.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Friday, January 20 from 3:30-5:30 at the Garden Chapel Funeral Home. There will BBS no formal funeral service held. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.