Kerry (Butch) Duane West

Kerry (Butch) Duane West, a 72-year-old resident of Staples, Minnesota peacefully left his joys and cares of earth for eternal rest and life on September 11, 2022 at home with his beloveds and compassionate care from Knute Nelson. He bravely took on the battle with throat cancer that was fast and relentless for six months. He was born to Tracy and Betty (Hutchinson) West, July 17, 1950. Kerry grew up in Illinois until 1968 when he came to Staples, attended school and met his sweetheart in life, Margaret Mertens, they married August 29, 1970. He had a very diverse nature with many gifts and adventures. Often told he should write a book about his life to which he would reply, “nobody would believe it!”. If a question was raised about anything a common reply would be “ask Butch”. Over the years he learned Greek, some Chinese and Spanish, was a diesel tractor driver/trainer, industrial battery repair, a bondsman for a few years, property management, computer sales/maintenance, expediter for Honeywell, worked in ministry, anything he set his mind to do or learn he did. There was never a dull moment around Kerry, sometimes a force to reckoned with if he needed to. He was a shoulder to his family and friends. Cremation has been provided by Taylor Funeral and Cremation Care of Staples. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Assembly of God Church in Staples with visitation at 10 AM, service at 11AM with lunch and fellowship to follow. There will be an Inurnment at a later date. Kerry is survived by his wife Maggie; and only daughter Keryn, born to them in 1986; seven grandchildren, Wyatt, Jaden, Karly, Keyra, Calub, Tobias and Taytum who kept his life full and busy, also many West, Self, and Drone siblings, “West” Gary, David (Kathy), Mark (Missie), Georgia (Danny) Swisher, “Self” Starr (Larry) Botzet, Ramona, “Drone” Bruce, Norman (Shawna), Jesse (KaAnn) many nieces, nephews, cousins. One cousin, “Eddie” (Rose) West his “roomie” at Grandma West’s for several years share a brotherly love. Many friends dear to his heart, one in particular, Wally Scifres whom God sent into his life from Kentucky to Minnesota to be his first “spiritual brother in Christ Jesus”, a “light” of hope. Kerry made in impression and will be sorely missed. He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Rita West; brothers, Tracy “Joey” West III, Bruce West, Dale (Rusty) Self, Almond Drone; sister, Lois (Drone) Self; brother-in-law, Wilbur Self.