Elaine Joyce Butterbrodt

Elaine Joyce Butterbrodt, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Tipton’s First United Church of Christ, with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for a luncheon prior to burial at St. John’s Cemetery, east of Clarence. Memorials may be directed to the Women’s Fellowship of Tipton’s First United Church of Christ in honor of her years of devotion and service to the church and its families.

Elaine was born on June 3, 1938, in Durant, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Dorothy (Lilienthal) Moeller. She attended Bunker Hill School through the 8th grade and graduated from Durant High School in 1956. On January 11, 1959, she was united in marriage to Robert Butterbrodt of Tipton, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, raising five boys and one daughter.

Elaine’s life was a reflection of her deep devotion to others. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising her children—often joking that keeping five boys in line was a full-time job. As a grandmother, she was endlessly proud, rarely missing a game, event, or opportunity to cheer on those she loved. She was a woman who found joy in both the simple and meaningful moments of life. Elaine worked at the Cedar County Treasurer’s Office and was an active member of King’s Daughters, the Cedar Chips, and the First United Church of Christ. She loved camping, spending time by the river, and sitting on her patio watching the birds on the farm she cherished so much. Elaine had a gift for bringing people together. Whether it was sharing laughter with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying a Captain Morgan with her sister, she made every moment feel special. Her home was a place of comfort and generosity—you couldn’t walk through her door without being offered a drink and a meal.

She will be remembered for her incredible cooking—her angel food cake was a family favorite that rarely made it to the table before slices were claimed, and her pasta salad and grilling skills were unmatched. More than anything, she will be remembered for the way she loved—deeply, selflessly, and without hesitation. Elaine’s greatest joy was her family. She put everyone before herself and created a legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness that will live on in all who knew her.

Those left to miss her until being reunited in heaven are her husband of 67 years, Robert, and children Craig Butterbrodt and Steve (Jennifer) Butterbrodt of Wilton, Glenn (Kate) Butterbrodt of Creve Coeur, MO, Lynn Butterbrodt of Clarence, Lon (Vickie) Butterbrodt and Amy (Aaron) Daehler of Tipton. She had 11 grandchildren (Amanda, Alexis, Devin, Randy, Mariah, Lily, Jonathan, Anna, Paige, Bailie and Cayden) and 4 great grandchildren (Kyler, Gage, Rowan and Beckham).

Joyfully reunited with her in heaven is her son, Ross; her sister, Karen; her parents, Elmer and Dorothy; her parents-in-law, William and Velma (Hein) Butterbrodt.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.