There’s an old adage: “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Adelbert Dale “Butch” Whittle proved during his 99+ years on this earth that you can be both a jack of all trades AND a master of all. Whether it was one of the many jobs he took on, working with wood, building his four houses, or playing a game of checkers with his great grandchildren, his determination to succeed was rivaled only by his commitment for perfection.
Butch was born to Bernard L. and Odelia (Fassbinder) Whittle on September 17, 1926. He graduated from Monona High School in 1944, served 3 years in the Navy, and attended the University of Dubuque for 2 years. He married the love of his life, Darlene Mae Havlicek, on October 15, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona, where they raised their three children. In 2021, Butch and Darlene moved to Clive, Iowa to be near their son and daughter-in-law, Doug & Dianne Whittle.
Butch was a lifelong employee of the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a clerk for 11 years in Monona and then as a rural carrier for 32 years for Luana, Postville, and Garnavillo offices. After completing his daily route, he would drive an afternoon school bus route for M-F-L. He also assisted his brother-in-law, Ivan Melcher, in building houses in the community. For several years, he helped a local farmer with field work and chores. And just in case he didn’t have enough to do, Butch, along with Darlene, took on custodial duties for St. Patrick’s church, school, and cemetery for many years.
As part of Governor Robert Ray’s Southeast Asian refugee resettlement program, St. Patrick’s Parish sponsored a Vietnamese family in 1975. Butch and Darlene were actively engaged in helping the family acclimate to their new American home. They were honored to be godparents for one of the first children born after the family settled in Monona. The parents named this son Adelbert.
Butch and Darlene spent many summer and fall days at their second property, 47 acres of wooded hills located along the banks of the Upper Iowa River. They planted hundreds of walnut and evergreen trees to ensure the woodlands would continue for future generations. Every year, they hosted a week-long “summer camp” at this property for their grandchildren, who now fondly share tales of those riverside adventures with their own children. Later in life, Butch and Darlene expanded their world views by traveling with family to many Caribbean islands, Mexico, Alaska, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
In 1982, Governor Robert Ray awarded Butch the Governor’s Life Saving with Valor Award for saving a farmer from an overturned tractor that was on fire. He received the U.S. Postal Service Special Achievement Award and a special Commendation Award from the Postmaster General. In March 2026, he was honored by the Urbandale Public Library, where examples of his woodworking were displayed in the lobby showcase for a month. The exhibit was so popular that it will now become an annual display.
Butch and Darlene moved in 2021 to Walnut Ridge Retirement Center in Clive, to be near their son and daughter-in-law, Doug & Dianne. While he was initially reluctant to leave his beloved hometown, he quickly made many new friends and was an active participant in all the activities provided. Within just a few months after moving in, it seemed that almost everyone knew Butch. In his final days before he passed on May 15, these friends, alongside family members, surrounded him with visits, prayers and words of comfort.
Today, family who celebrate the gift of Adelbert include: Daughter-in-law Mona (Larry) Whittle; grandson Travis (Rebecca) Whittle, great grandchildren Adelbert “Del” and Frank; grandson Brandon (Kristin) Whittle, great-grandchildren Gavin and Adalyn; son Doug Whittle (Dianne), granddaughter Blair (Matt) Patterson, great-grandchildren Nolan, Evan, and Andrew; daughter Diane (Mark) Turczynski, grandson Michael (Marni) Turczynski; sister Darlyn Griffith; Niece Kathy (Geraghty) Pixler and many other nieces and nephews.
Butch is now celebrating his reunion with Darlene, his beloved wife for 79 years; first-born son Larry; granddaughter Anna Turczynski; parents Bernard L. and Odelia; brother Bernard M. and sister Rosemay Geraghty Binns; brothers-in-law Donald Griffith and Glenn Binns; nephew Michael Geraghty.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the incredible Walnut Ridge staff, who, from the day Butch and Darlene arrived as residents, surrounded them with love and support. The staff and close friends honored Butch at a Memorial and Procession of Honor on May 16.
Per their request, a mass and celebration of life for both Butch and Darlene will be held at a later date in Monona. Grau Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Doug Whittle, 4809 147th Street, Urbandale, IA 50323. Memorials in Adelbert’s memory may be given to the Walnut Ridge Care Center in Clive, The Clive EMS, or the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens in Madrid.