Raymond Lee “Butch” Walden, of Goehner, was born Dec. 30, 1946, to Harvey and Ileen (Hansen) Walden in Friend.
He graduated from Seward High School in 1965. He then attended SCC in Milford, receiving his Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology in 1967. Butch served in the United States Navy from Feb. 2, 1969, to April 9, 1971. On May 29, 1976, Butch was united in marriage to Dale Kennedy at United Church of Christ in Goehner. He worked as a cabinet maker and carpenter. He then worked as a maintenance worker for the Village of Goehner until his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was a member of United Church of Christ in Goehner and a 50-year member of Beaver Crossing American Legion Post #178. He was a volunteer for the Goehner Fire Department and served as chief for 12 years. He was also a volunteer with Seward Cross Makers, cutting out more than 60,000 crosses. Butch passed away June 26, 2022, in Lincoln, at the age of 75 years, 5 months and 27 days.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara Kohl of Lincoln; brother, Wes (Denise) Walden of Goehner; niece, Kendra (Paul) White of Lincoln; nephews, Ben (Carol) Kohl of York, Mitchell (Kari) Walden of Rogers, Arkansas, Andy (Beth) Walden of Denver, Colorado, and Nate Walden of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ileen Walden; and wife, Dale Walden.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Goehner with a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Inurnment will be at the Mound Prairie Cemetery in Goehner. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
