Arthur F. Butterstein

Arthur was born in N.Y, N.Y on November 28, 1919 with his twin brother Howard. They were born to Paul and Mary, proud U.S. citizens who had recently immigrated from Germany with brother Paul. Arthurs parents owned and operated a popular German Restaurant in Fishkill N.Y. called Moogs Farm, where Arthur and Howard shared many fond memories growing up. They worked in the family business through young adulthood.

By his own admission, Arthur and Howard were a handful! Constantly mischievous , playing pranks as only identical twins can! They attended Carson Long Military Academy in Pennsylvania from a young age, through H.S. graduation.

After high school, Arthur attended the University of Iowa, and received a Bachelor degree on the same day he was sworn into the United States Army as an Officer in light of WWII.

He served in the U.S. Army under General George C. Patton in Africa and Sicily, until seriously wounded, an injury which brought him home to the U.S. for care. It was during his convalescence in West Virginia, that a lovely friend named Katherine would visit him on weekends for the year he was hospitalized. This friendship evolved, and they were married in 1944.

Arthur and Katherine enjoyed 13 years of marriage before daughters Amy and Ani would arrive. It was just prior to this time, that his twin died unexpectedly at age 39, a heartbreak for Arthur the remainder of his life.

Arthur and Katherine raised the girls in N.Y. until Arthur's brother Paul , who was widowed and lived in Colorado became ill and needed care. It was then the family relocated to Colorado to care for him. After his brother passed, they chose to remain in Colorado where they would eventually own a business together, Stretch and Sew Fabrics. Later in his career, Arthur would complete a Masters Degree in Education at Denver University, and would teach English in parochial school, coach football ,and work for the IRS - not officially retiring until age 75.

Arthur and Katherine enjoyed time with their children , traveling with them on several occasions. The family frequented the P.X., Commissary and Officers Club, and enjoyed AFA football, especially for the rivalry between Army and Air Force. Arthur and family attended a USAFA game vs Army just last year.

When Katherine became ill, Arthur cared for her until she passed in their home , 12 years ago.

After Katherine's death, Arthur was encouraged by a friend to join a Widow and Widowers group (WOWs')- a group that offered friendship and activities with other widows/widowers. It was after he joined this Organization, that he met Joan Foley, a transplanted New Yorker whose lively personality and intellect he enjoyed immensely. They married, and enjoyed 6 wonderful years together until her death in 2012.

In 2015, Arthur participated in the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight- an experience he recalled as one of the best of his life. As a WWII veteran he traveled with other veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the National WWII Memorial. It was during this experience, he and other Veterans were honored for their service, with "red carpet" treatment. He returned home with new friends and heartwarming stories.

Last year, Arthur relocated to Golden Pond Retirement Community where he included himself in the many activities offered.

His continued affiliation with the WOWs' organization kept him busy and young! The friendships made there the past 12 years were near and dear to him. These friendships were also enjoyed by Arthurs family.

At 97 he remained mentally sharp and was continually, "out and about" on outings with friends from the WOWs or Golden Pond. In the past couple of years, he traveled to NYC several times, and most recently for an Opera . He visited his daughter in Ky, and organized a trip to Florida with friends. He enjoyed excursions with the WOWs friends to include Las Vegas , mystery events and the horse track. He continually visited friends who might be ill, and played golf just a month prior to his death. If you wanted to get ahold of Arthur, it was best to call him on his cell phone, as he was rarely home!

Arthur is survived by his two daughters, and Step daughter Kathleen. He was blessed to have 6 grandchildren ( Ryan, Elyse, Missy, Karissa, Mikaela and Daniel and 3 great grandchildren (Hunter, Chloe and Autumn).

He lived life fully until the very end of his life. We are so grateful to have had him as part of our lives, for as long as we did. We will miss him so!