Jeneane Ellen Butrum

Jeneane Ellen Butrum, age 64 of Richfield, MN, passed away on December 26, 2015 at her home. Jeneane was born in Mitchell, SD to Rayburn and E. Geraldine (Stalheim) Butrum. She grew up on the family farm near Garretson, SD and graduated from Garretson High School. She attended South Dakota State University and graduated from the University of South Dakota with B.S. degrees in elementary education and special education. During the summers, she worked as a camp counselor and cook at camps in SD, WI, and MN. After graduation, she moved to Massachusetts with a good friend and received her Massachusetts Teacher Certification in K-8 ^th Grade and in Moderate Special Needs. She worked for various programs there and also worked as a waitress and professional home cleaner to supplement her income. Moving back to the Minneapolis area in 1981, she worked in early childhood programs, also working as a waitress and professional home cleaner. Jeneane earned her Early Childhood Special Education Licensure from the University of St. Thomas and worked for programs in the Inner City Childcare Consortium of St. Paul and Minneapolis. She also earned the Parent Education Licensure in the Child and Family Studies Program from St. Cloud University. Jeneane met the love of her life, Douglas Hornseth, during a backpacking event in Isle Royale National Park and they were married on June 3, 1989. For 15 years, Jeneane worked for the Minneapolis Public School System in Special Education and the Early Childhood Family Education program until she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2014. Even after that diagnosis, Jeneane was determined to focus on living rather than on dying, which she did with great courage.

Jeneane was dedicated to helping children and families. She was a very talented person with an aptitude for cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, flower arranging, singing and playing the guitar, just to name a few. She also enjoyed numerous activities with her husband, including backpacking, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, spending time along the shores of Lake Superior, going to movies, going out to eat, Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Public TV, riding Amtrak, do-it-yourself projects around the home, and spending time with her family and friends. Jeaneane was a very kind and generous person. During the last three years, Jeneane and Doug spent many hours working on the small cabin that was erected on the Butrum family homestead near Garretson, SD.   It was Jeneane’s pride and joy.

Jeneane was very active in the Re-evaluation Co-Counseling Community, training many others to go on and help others.

Jeneane is survived by her husband Douglas Hornseth; her brother Keith (Holly) Butrum; sister Renee (Bruce) Boehrns; sister-in-law Jan (Dave) Loge; nieces Audra and Heidi Boehrns and their families; nephew Heath Butrum; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Kevin.

A celebration of Jeneane’s life will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota - Edina Chapel, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina, MN. Visitation at 10 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m., and reception following. There will also be a celebration on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home - Garretson Chapel, 101 South Leslie Drive, Garretson, SD. Visitation at 10 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m., and reception following.

The Cremation Society of Minnesota - Edina is in charge of arrangements in MN. www.minnesotacremationsocietyofmn.com .

The Minnehaha Funeral Chapel - Garretson is in charge of arrangements in SD. www.minnehahafuneralhome.com .