CJ Buettner died April 7, 2025, at the University of Iowa Medical Center as a result of an automobile accident. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 19, at the Utica Senior Center from 3 – 6 p.m. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
CJ Joesph Buettner was born March 18, 2009, to Tamra Buettner at Faith Regional in Norfolk. CJ was the light of his mother’s eyes. Two years later, he proudly became a big brother to his sister. In 2012, Tamra met and married Jeremy Rutherford. From this union, CJ was blessed with two more siblings, along with two stepbrothers. Even after the couple later divorced, Jeremy remained very active in CJ’s life. The family moved back to St. Edward, where CJ attended school until the seventh grade. In 2022, Tamra married Chad Dodds, and the family moved to Seward.
CJ enjoyed playing video games and board games, especially chess. He was very protective of his family and siblings and often acted as a big brother to his cousins as well. CJ loved music, theater, and art. His happiest times were spent hanging out with his family, friends, and girlfriend, Liberty.
In his 16 years, CJ touched many lives with his kindness and compassion. His giving spirit continues after his passing, as he donated his organs and was able to save the lives of five others.
CJ is survived by his parents, Tamra and Chad Dodds; siblings, Leah, Parker, and Cian; and stepbrother Case, all of Seward. He is also survived by his stepfather, Jeremy Rutherford; stepbrothers, Tristan and Derek of Omaha; grandparents, Ted and Melanie Buettner; great-grandmother, Deloris Buettner; and aunt, Trisha (James) Spath, all of St. Edward. Other surviving relatives include aunts, Trina Buettner (Matt Torpy) of Albion, Tara Buettner of Omaha, and Alicia (Brent) McPherson of Mount Holly, North Carolina; step-grandparents, Chuck and Debra Braun of Cedar Rapids, and Ricky and Kathy Rutherford of Omaha; along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
CJ is welcomed in heaven by his great-grandparents, George and Roberta Marsh and Henry Buettner.
