DUBUQUE, Iowa — An official with Mercy Medical Center confirmed that Emergency room physician Doug Butzier, Libertarian Party of Iowa candidate running for United States Senate, died in a plane crash.
He died when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed late Monday night near Dubuque Regional Airport. He served as president of the Mercy hospital's medical staff and as a member of the board of trustees.
"Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years," said Russell Knight, Mercy President and CEO, in press release issued Tuesday. "His influence was felt throughout the hospital."
Iowa's Libertarian candidate for governor, Lee Hieb, said her fellow doctor epitomized what Iowans are all about.
"He could get dressed up in a suit and talk in front of a big crowd but at the end of the day he was just a man of the people," Hieb said. "Iowa and the cause of liberty are diminished by his passing."
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford says Butzier's Piper PA-46 crashed around 11 p.m. Monday on approach to the airport, about a mile north of the runway. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Dubuque Police Department declined to comment to the AP early Tuesday.
The plane took off from Ankeny Regional Airport about an hour before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Butzier's fellow U.S. Senate candidates from Iowa, Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley, issued statements after hearing of the crash.
Ernst said she was "deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Dr. Doug Butzier. I appreciated Doug's willingness to contribute to this important election. In addition to representing Libertarians in this campaign, Doug served his community as an ER doctor and medical leader. Gail and I will keep Doug's family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn their untimely loss."
Braley said he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Doug Butzier. I have enormous respect for anyone who puts their name forward as a candidate for public office. Carolyn and I send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Butzier's wife and family during this difficult time."
A spokesman from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office confirmed on Tuesday that Butzier's name will not be removed from ballots, since voting has already begun.
Contributing: The Associated Press - reworded
Mercy statement on Dr. Doug Butzier
Dr. Doug Butzier was an emergency medicine physician and president of Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque's medical staff. He served on the hospital's board of trustees at the time of his death.
Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight said in a statement:
“Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years. His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:25 am | Updated: 7:19 pm, Tue Oct 14, 2014.
By Erik Hogstrom TH staff writer
A Dubuque doctor running as Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate died in a plane crash on Monday in the Key West area. Dr. Doug Butzier, 59, was an emergency medicine physician in Dubuque for 17 years. He was the pilot of the single-engine Piper PA-46 flying from Ankeny, Iowa, to Dubuque Regional Airport, according to family spokesman Dr. Tom Schreiber. “Doug touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was a great guy,” said Schreiber, a family medicine doctor at Medical Associates Clinic.
Dr. Butzier was a physician at the hospital, president of Mercy’s medical staff and was on the hospital’s board of trustees at the time of his death. “Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years,” said Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight in a statement. “His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Butzier was born in Mount Pleasant and grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a graduate of Northern University High School (Price Lab) in 1973 and University of Iowa, where he obtained a general science degree in 1980 and a medical degree in 1984. He obtained an MBA from Iowa in 2007.
After an internship in Spokane, WA, and residency in Tucson, AZ, Butzier practiced emergency medicine in the Twin Cities and Tucson before coming to Dubuque. He served as a physician in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years and as medical director for the Dubuque and Asbury fire departments.
“We adored him,” said Wayne Dow, city EMS supervisor with the Dubuque Fire Department. “He was a former paramedic who put himself through medical school, and he brought that earthiness to his role. He appreciated what we did, and he never forgot where he came from.”
Dubuque City Council Member Ric Jones, a former city EMS supervisor, said, “He was a real likable fellow and an excellent doctor.” He admired Butzier’s ability to lead the city’s paramedic efforts with neutrality, despite being an emergency room doctor at one of Dubuque’s two competing hospitals. “When the hospitals would scrimmage over what patients should go where, he would always look out for the patient’s best interests,” Jones said.
Butzier was the chairman of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and had served on the council since 2006. “A lot of people are going to miss him for what he did to promote EMS in Dubuque County,” said Asbury Fire Chief Dave Grass.
Butzier married Ann Sawvel Chapman in 2010. He is survived by her, two sons and three stepchildren. The family requested privacy after Schreiber briefly spoke to media members on Tuesday.
Butzier coached and officiated youth soccer in AYSO and at the club level in Dubuque. “It was something passionate to his kids, and that passion spilled over to him,” said Jason Berna, administrator of Dubuque Soccer Club and assistant athletic director and head women’s soccer coach at University of Dubuque.
“Two years ago, he was seriously researching bringing an indoor athletics complex to the Dubuqueland area — it was his dream project,” Berna said.
Butzier entered politics this fall. He told TH Media that his strong belief in the need for smaller government and the principles of the Libertarian Party led him to become a candidate for U.S. Senate. Butzier acknowledged it was “nearly impossible” to get his message out amid all the campaign rhetoric of the major party candidates, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst. Both candidates issued statements of condolences.
Butzier recently reconnected with acquaintance Robert Miller, of West Des Moines, who said today that he and Butzier were friends in the early 1970s and worked together in Colorado, but drifted apart over the years. Miller saw a campaign sign of Butzier’s about two weeks ago, and called Butzier to talk about old times. Miller invited Butzier to his home in West Des Moines on Monday night for a small campaign event.
Butzier was flying back from that event when he crashed, a tearful Miller said today. “I’m glad I got to see him, but ....,” Miller said, his voice trailing off.
— The Associated Press contributed - reworded
© 2014 THonline.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Dr. Douglas J. Butzier, M.D., 59, of Dubuque died on October 13, 2014 as a result from injuries sustained in an air plane accident.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, at the Heritage Center, on Bennett and McCormick, University of Dubuque, where a visitation will follow until 6 p.m. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is assisting the family.
Douglas was born on June 2, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rutledge) Butzier.
Doug’s family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1960, where he attended Malcom Price Laboratory School from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from the Northern University High School in 1973. He started his college career at the University of Montana, studying Forestry. While living in Missoula, Montana, he began working as a fireman and then an EMT where he found his passion for the medical community. He returned to his home state to attend the University of Iowa, to complete his undergraduate degree and then his MD from the University of Iowa Medical School, in 1984. Doug completed his Emergency Medicine internship training at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane Washington. He then attended his residency training at the University of Arizona Trauma Center in Tucson, finishing this training in 1987.
Following his education, Doug worked as an ER doctor in the Twin Cities and Tucson before moving to Dubuque in 1997, where he has been with Mercy Medical Center ever since. He has remained very active in Mercy Hospital administrative service duties, including serving as Medical Staff President. He remained in practice as an Emergency Room physician at the time of his death. In his continuous pursuit of learning, Doug went on to obtain his MBA at the University of Iowa’s Executive MBA Program, in 2007. In addition, he was the Chair of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Doug was very active in his community, volunteering his time and talent on numerous boards, committees and organizations.
He was always looking for his next adventure ranging from a 6 week medical expedition to Nepal, to coaching and refereeing youth soccer and other sports as his five children grew up. He served as the Medical Director for the Dubuque and Asbury Fire Departments, he was the staff physician to the Dubuque County Jail, and the medical director for Kunkel & Associates.
His most recent calling was becoming involved in the political process, and so he became a candidate for the Libertarian Party for the US Senate seat from the great state of Iowa. He felt compelled to make a difference regarding several national issues, about which he was passionate and particularly well qualified to speak.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved backpacking, mountain climbing, hunting, exploring, biking, and working in his yard. He obtained his pilot’s license, and loved flying his own plane.
His greatest passion, after Ann, was flying, needing only the slightest excuse to go fly anywhere. He jumped at every opportunity to treat anybody to a scenic excursion in the sky. He was a highly experienced and tested pilot, and was alone in the plane at the time of the accident. He was an instrument rated pilot, and was working on his FAA Certified Flight Instructor’s license. He had logged more than 6 times the national average for private pilots, having flown over 1000 hours in just the last 6 years.
Doug has been working tirelessly to develop his vision of building the Grand River Indoor Sports Facility. He has spent years planning his dream to benefit youth sports and create opportunities in the greater Dubuque area. His dream was within reach as he was in the process of purchasing the land, and funding the project.
Surviving is his wife, Ann; two sons, Nic of Iowa City and Alex of Eden Prairie MN, step-daughter Sarah Chapman, and step-sons Ben Chapman and Chris Chapman all of Dubuque; also his brothers David (Suzi) of Boise, and Stuart (Robin) of Albuquerque and his five treasured nephews; Christopher, Logan, Matthew, Joseph and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following:
In memory of Dr. Douglas J. Butzier
c/o Dubuque Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Or: MPLS Plaza Project
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
205 Commons,
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282
Or: Make a Wish Foundation in Dubuque
Or: Other contributions will be dispersed to the many other charitable organizations that Doug and Ann have contributed to over the years.
For more information please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
Special thank you to all the first responders for your help at this terrible accident as well all of the emergency community of Dubuque and the surrounding area.
He died when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed late Monday night near Dubuque Regional Airport. He served as president of the Mercy hospital's medical staff and as a member of the board of trustees.
"Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years," said Russell Knight, Mercy President and CEO, in press release issued Tuesday. "His influence was felt throughout the hospital."
Iowa's Libertarian candidate for governor, Lee Hieb, said her fellow doctor epitomized what Iowans are all about.
"He could get dressed up in a suit and talk in front of a big crowd but at the end of the day he was just a man of the people," Hieb said. "Iowa and the cause of liberty are diminished by his passing."
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford says Butzier's Piper PA-46 crashed around 11 p.m. Monday on approach to the airport, about a mile north of the runway. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Dubuque Police Department declined to comment to the AP early Tuesday.
The plane took off from Ankeny Regional Airport about an hour before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Butzier's fellow U.S. Senate candidates from Iowa, Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley, issued statements after hearing of the crash.
Ernst said she was "deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Dr. Doug Butzier. I appreciated Doug's willingness to contribute to this important election. In addition to representing Libertarians in this campaign, Doug served his community as an ER doctor and medical leader. Gail and I will keep Doug's family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn their untimely loss."
Braley said he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Doug Butzier. I have enormous respect for anyone who puts their name forward as a candidate for public office. Carolyn and I send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Butzier's wife and family during this difficult time."
A spokesman from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office confirmed on Tuesday that Butzier's name will not be removed from ballots, since voting has already begun.
Contributing: The Associated Press - reworded
Mercy statement on Dr. Doug Butzier
Dr. Doug Butzier was an emergency medicine physician and president of Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque's medical staff. He served on the hospital's board of trustees at the time of his death.
Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight said in a statement:
“Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years. His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:25 am | Updated: 7:19 pm, Tue Oct 14, 2014.
By Erik Hogstrom TH staff writer
A Dubuque doctor running as Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate died in a plane crash on Monday in the Key West area. Dr. Doug Butzier, 59, was an emergency medicine physician in Dubuque for 17 years. He was the pilot of the single-engine Piper PA-46 flying from Ankeny, Iowa, to Dubuque Regional Airport, according to family spokesman Dr. Tom Schreiber. “Doug touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was a great guy,” said Schreiber, a family medicine doctor at Medical Associates Clinic.
Dr. Butzier was a physician at the hospital, president of Mercy’s medical staff and was on the hospital’s board of trustees at the time of his death. “Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years,” said Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight in a statement. “His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Butzier was born in Mount Pleasant and grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a graduate of Northern University High School (Price Lab) in 1973 and University of Iowa, where he obtained a general science degree in 1980 and a medical degree in 1984. He obtained an MBA from Iowa in 2007.
After an internship in Spokane, WA, and residency in Tucson, AZ, Butzier practiced emergency medicine in the Twin Cities and Tucson before coming to Dubuque. He served as a physician in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years and as medical director for the Dubuque and Asbury fire departments.
“We adored him,” said Wayne Dow, city EMS supervisor with the Dubuque Fire Department. “He was a former paramedic who put himself through medical school, and he brought that earthiness to his role. He appreciated what we did, and he never forgot where he came from.”
Dubuque City Council Member Ric Jones, a former city EMS supervisor, said, “He was a real likable fellow and an excellent doctor.” He admired Butzier’s ability to lead the city’s paramedic efforts with neutrality, despite being an emergency room doctor at one of Dubuque’s two competing hospitals. “When the hospitals would scrimmage over what patients should go where, he would always look out for the patient’s best interests,” Jones said.
Butzier was the chairman of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and had served on the council since 2006. “A lot of people are going to miss him for what he did to promote EMS in Dubuque County,” said Asbury Fire Chief Dave Grass.
Butzier married Ann Sawvel Chapman in 2010. He is survived by her, two sons and three stepchildren. The family requested privacy after Schreiber briefly spoke to media members on Tuesday.
Butzier coached and officiated youth soccer in AYSO and at the club level in Dubuque. “It was something passionate to his kids, and that passion spilled over to him,” said Jason Berna, administrator of Dubuque Soccer Club and assistant athletic director and head women’s soccer coach at University of Dubuque.
“Two years ago, he was seriously researching bringing an indoor athletics complex to the Dubuqueland area — it was his dream project,” Berna said.
Butzier entered politics this fall. He told TH Media that his strong belief in the need for smaller government and the principles of the Libertarian Party led him to become a candidate for U.S. Senate. Butzier acknowledged it was “nearly impossible” to get his message out amid all the campaign rhetoric of the major party candidates, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst. Both candidates issued statements of condolences.
Butzier recently reconnected with acquaintance Robert Miller, of West Des Moines, who said today that he and Butzier were friends in the early 1970s and worked together in Colorado, but drifted apart over the years. Miller saw a campaign sign of Butzier’s about two weeks ago, and called Butzier to talk about old times. Miller invited Butzier to his home in West Des Moines on Monday night for a small campaign event.
Butzier was flying back from that event when he crashed, a tearful Miller said today. “I’m glad I got to see him, but ....,” Miller said, his voice trailing off.
— The Associated Press contributed - reworded
© 2014 THonline.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Dr. Douglas J. Butzier, M.D., 59, of Dubuque died on October 13, 2014 as a result from injuries sustained in an air plane accident.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, at the Heritage Center, on Bennett and McCormick, University of Dubuque, where a visitation will follow until 6 p.m. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is assisting the family.
Douglas was born on June 2, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rutledge) Butzier.
Doug’s family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1960, where he attended Malcom Price Laboratory School from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from the Northern University High School in 1973. He started his college career at the University of Montana, studying Forestry. While living in Missoula, Montana, he began working as a fireman and then an EMT where he found his passion for the medical community. He returned to his home state to attend the University of Iowa, to complete his undergraduate degree and then his MD from the University of Iowa Medical School, in 1984. Doug completed his Emergency Medicine internship training at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane Washington. He then attended his residency training at the University of Arizona Trauma Center in Tucson, finishing this training in 1987.
Following his education, Doug worked as an ER doctor in the Twin Cities and Tucson before moving to Dubuque in 1997, where he has been with Mercy Medical Center ever since. He has remained very active in Mercy Hospital administrative service duties, including serving as Medical Staff President. He remained in practice as an Emergency Room physician at the time of his death. In his continuous pursuit of learning, Doug went on to obtain his MBA at the University of Iowa’s Executive MBA Program, in 2007. In addition, he was the Chair of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Doug was very active in his community, volunteering his time and talent on numerous boards, committees and organizations.
He was always looking for his next adventure ranging from a 6 week medical expedition to Nepal, to coaching and refereeing youth soccer and other sports as his five children grew up. He served as the Medical Director for the Dubuque and Asbury Fire Departments, he was the staff physician to the Dubuque County Jail, and the medical director for Kunkel & Associates.
His most recent calling was becoming involved in the political process, and so he became a candidate for the Libertarian Party for the US Senate seat from the great state of Iowa. He felt compelled to make a difference regarding several national issues, about which he was passionate and particularly well qualified to speak.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved backpacking, mountain climbing, hunting, exploring, biking, and working in his yard. He obtained his pilot’s license, and loved flying his own plane.
His greatest passion, after Ann, was flying, needing only the slightest excuse to go fly anywhere. He jumped at every opportunity to treat anybody to a scenic excursion in the sky. He was a highly experienced and tested pilot, and was alone in the plane at the time of the accident. He was an instrument rated pilot, and was working on his FAA Certified Flight Instructor’s license. He had logged more than 6 times the national average for private pilots, having flown over 1000 hours in just the last 6 years.
Doug has been working tirelessly to develop his vision of building the Grand River Indoor Sports Facility. He has spent years planning his dream to benefit youth sports and create opportunities in the greater Dubuque area. His dream was within reach as he was in the process of purchasing the land, and funding the project.
Surviving is his wife, Ann; two sons, Nic of Iowa City and Alex of Eden Prairie MN, step-daughter Sarah Chapman, and step-sons Ben Chapman and Chris Chapman all of Dubuque; also his brothers David (Suzi) of Boise, and Stuart (Robin) of Albuquerque and his five treasured nephews; Christopher, Logan, Matthew, Joseph and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following:
In memory of Dr. Douglas J. Butzier
c/o Dubuque Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Or: MPLS Plaza Project
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
205 Commons,
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282
Or: Make a Wish Foundation in Dubuque
Or: Other contributions will be dispersed to the many other charitable organizations that Doug and Ann have contributed to over the years.
For more information please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
Special thank you to all the first responders for your help at this terrible accident as well all of the emergency community of Dubuque and the surrounding area.
DUBUQUE, Iowa — An official with Mercy Medical Center confirmed that Emergency room physician Doug Butzier, Libertarian Party of Iowa candidate running for United States Senate, died in a plane crash.
He died when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed late Monday night near Dubuque Regional Airport. He served as president of the Mercy hospital's medical staff and as a member of the board of trustees.
"Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years," said Russell Knight, Mercy President and CEO, in press release issued Tuesday. "His influence was felt throughout the hospital."
Iowa's Libertarian candidate for governor, Lee Hieb, said her fellow doctor epitomized what Iowans are all about.
"He could get dressed up in a suit and talk in front of a big crowd but at the end of the day he was just a man of the people," Hieb said. "Iowa and the cause of liberty are diminished by his passing."
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford says Butzier's Piper PA-46 crashed around 11 p.m. Monday on approach to the airport, about a mile north of the runway. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Dubuque Police Department declined to comment to the AP early Tuesday.
The plane took off from Ankeny Regional Airport about an hour before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Butzier's fellow U.S. Senate candidates from Iowa, Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley, issued statements after hearing of the crash.
Ernst said she was "deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Dr. Doug Butzier. I appreciated Doug's willingness to contribute to this important election. In addition to representing Libertarians in this campaign, Doug served his community as an ER doctor and medical leader. Gail and I will keep Doug's family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn their untimely loss."
Braley said he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Doug Butzier. I have enormous respect for anyone who puts their name forward as a candidate for public office. Carolyn and I send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Butzier's wife and family during this difficult time."
A spokesman from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office confirmed on Tuesday that Butzier's name will not be removed from ballots, since voting has already begun.
Contributing: The Associated Press - reworded
Mercy statement on Dr. Doug Butzier
Dr. Doug Butzier was an emergency medicine physician and president of Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque's medical staff. He served on the hospital's board of trustees at the time of his death.
Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight said in a statement:
“Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years. His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:25 am | Updated: 7:19 pm, Tue Oct 14, 2014.
By Erik Hogstrom TH staff writer
A Dubuque doctor running as Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate died in a plane crash on Monday in the Key West area. Dr. Doug Butzier, 59, was an emergency medicine physician in Dubuque for 17 years. He was the pilot of the single-engine Piper PA-46 flying from Ankeny, Iowa, to Dubuque Regional Airport, according to family spokesman Dr. Tom Schreiber. “Doug touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was a great guy,” said Schreiber, a family medicine doctor at Medical Associates Clinic.
Dr. Butzier was a physician at the hospital, president of Mercy’s medical staff and was on the hospital’s board of trustees at the time of his death. “Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years,” said Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight in a statement. “His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Butzier was born in Mount Pleasant and grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a graduate of Northern University High School (Price Lab) in 1973 and University of Iowa, where he obtained a general science degree in 1980 and a medical degree in 1984. He obtained an MBA from Iowa in 2007.
After an internship in Spokane, WA, and residency in Tucson, AZ, Butzier practiced emergency medicine in the Twin Cities and Tucson before coming to Dubuque. He served as a physician in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years and as medical director for the Dubuque and Asbury fire departments.
“We adored him,” said Wayne Dow, city EMS supervisor with the Dubuque Fire Department. “He was a former paramedic who put himself through medical school, and he brought that earthiness to his role. He appreciated what we did, and he never forgot where he came from.”
Dubuque City Council Member Ric Jones, a former city EMS supervisor, said, “He was a real likable fellow and an excellent doctor.” He admired Butzier’s ability to lead the city’s paramedic efforts with neutrality, despite being an emergency room doctor at one of Dubuque’s two competing hospitals. “When the hospitals would scrimmage over what patients should go where, he would always look out for the patient’s best interests,” Jones said.
Butzier was the chairman of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and had served on the council since 2006. “A lot of people are going to miss him for what he did to promote EMS in Dubuque County,” said Asbury Fire Chief Dave Grass.
Butzier married Ann Sawvel Chapman in 2010. He is survived by her, two sons and three stepchildren. The family requested privacy after Schreiber briefly spoke to media members on Tuesday.
Butzier coached and officiated youth soccer in AYSO and at the club level in Dubuque. “It was something passionate to his kids, and that passion spilled over to him,” said Jason Berna, administrator of Dubuque Soccer Club and assistant athletic director and head women’s soccer coach at University of Dubuque.
“Two years ago, he was seriously researching bringing an indoor athletics complex to the Dubuqueland area — it was his dream project,” Berna said.
Butzier entered politics this fall. He told TH Media that his strong belief in the need for smaller government and the principles of the Libertarian Party led him to become a candidate for U.S. Senate. Butzier acknowledged it was “nearly impossible” to get his message out amid all the campaign rhetoric of the major party candidates, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst. Both candidates issued statements of condolences.
Butzier recently reconnected with acquaintance Robert Miller, of West Des Moines, who said today that he and Butzier were friends in the early 1970s and worked together in Colorado, but drifted apart over the years. Miller saw a campaign sign of Butzier’s about two weeks ago, and called Butzier to talk about old times. Miller invited Butzier to his home in West Des Moines on Monday night for a small campaign event.
Butzier was flying back from that event when he crashed, a tearful Miller said today. “I’m glad I got to see him, but ....,” Miller said, his voice trailing off.
— The Associated Press contributed - reworded
© 2014 THonline.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Dr. Douglas J. Butzier, M.D., 59, of Dubuque died on October 13, 2014 as a result from injuries sustained in an air plane accident.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, at the Heritage Center, on Bennett and McCormick, University of Dubuque, where a visitation will follow until 6 p.m. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is assisting the family.
Douglas was born on June 2, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rutledge) Butzier.
Doug’s family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1960, where he attended Malcom Price Laboratory School from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from the Northern University High School in 1973. He started his college career at the University of Montana, studying Forestry. While living in Missoula, Montana, he began working as a fireman and then an EMT where he found his passion for the medical community. He returned to his home state to attend the University of Iowa, to complete his undergraduate degree and then his MD from the University of Iowa Medical School, in 1984. Doug completed his Emergency Medicine internship training at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane Washington. He then attended his residency training at the University of Arizona Trauma Center in Tucson, finishing this training in 1987.
Following his education, Doug worked as an ER doctor in the Twin Cities and Tucson before moving to Dubuque in 1997, where he has been with Mercy Medical Center ever since. He has remained very active in Mercy Hospital administrative service duties, including serving as Medical Staff President. He remained in practice as an Emergency Room physician at the time of his death. In his continuous pursuit of learning, Doug went on to obtain his MBA at the University of Iowa’s Executive MBA Program, in 2007. In addition, he was the Chair of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Doug was very active in his community, volunteering his time and talent on numerous boards, committees and organizations.
He was always looking for his next adventure ranging from a 6 week medical expedition to Nepal, to coaching and refereeing youth soccer and other sports as his five children grew up. He served as the Medical Director for the Dubuque and Asbury Fire Departments, he was the staff physician to the Dubuque County Jail, and the medical director for Kunkel & Associates.
His most recent calling was becoming involved in the political process, and so he became a candidate for the Libertarian Party for the US Senate seat from the great state of Iowa. He felt compelled to make a difference regarding several national issues, about which he was passionate and particularly well qualified to speak.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved backpacking, mountain climbing, hunting, exploring, biking, and working in his yard. He obtained his pilot’s license, and loved flying his own plane.
His greatest passion, after Ann, was flying, needing only the slightest excuse to go fly anywhere. He jumped at every opportunity to treat anybody to a scenic excursion in the sky. He was a highly experienced and tested pilot, and was alone in the plane at the time of the accident. He was an instrument rated pilot, and was working on his FAA Certified Flight Instructor’s license. He had logged more than 6 times the national average for private pilots, having flown over 1000 hours in just the last 6 years.
Doug has been working tirelessly to develop his vision of building the Grand River Indoor Sports Facility. He has spent years planning his dream to benefit youth sports and create opportunities in the greater Dubuque area. His dream was within reach as he was in the process of purchasing the land, and funding the project.
Surviving is his wife, Ann; two sons, Nic of Iowa City and Alex of Eden Prairie MN, step-daughter Sarah Chapman, and step-sons Ben Chapman and Chris Chapman all of Dubuque; also his brothers David (Suzi) of Boise, and Stuart (Robin) of Albuquerque and his five treasured nephews; Christopher, Logan, Matthew, Joseph and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following:
In memory of Dr. Douglas J. Butzier
c/o Dubuque Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Or: MPLS Plaza Project
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
205 Commons,
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282
Or: Make a Wish Foundation in Dubuque
Or: Other contributions will be dispersed to the many other charitable organizations that Doug and Ann have contributed to over the years.
For more information please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
Special thank you to all the first responders for your help at this terrible accident as well all of the emergency community of Dubuque and the surrounding area.
He died when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed late Monday night near Dubuque Regional Airport. He served as president of the Mercy hospital's medical staff and as a member of the board of trustees.
"Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years," said Russell Knight, Mercy President and CEO, in press release issued Tuesday. "His influence was felt throughout the hospital."
Iowa's Libertarian candidate for governor, Lee Hieb, said her fellow doctor epitomized what Iowans are all about.
"He could get dressed up in a suit and talk in front of a big crowd but at the end of the day he was just a man of the people," Hieb said. "Iowa and the cause of liberty are diminished by his passing."
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford says Butzier's Piper PA-46 crashed around 11 p.m. Monday on approach to the airport, about a mile north of the runway. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Dubuque Police Department declined to comment to the AP early Tuesday.
The plane took off from Ankeny Regional Airport about an hour before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Butzier's fellow U.S. Senate candidates from Iowa, Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley, issued statements after hearing of the crash.
Ernst said she was "deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Dr. Doug Butzier. I appreciated Doug's willingness to contribute to this important election. In addition to representing Libertarians in this campaign, Doug served his community as an ER doctor and medical leader. Gail and I will keep Doug's family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn their untimely loss."
Braley said he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Doug Butzier. I have enormous respect for anyone who puts their name forward as a candidate for public office. Carolyn and I send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Butzier's wife and family during this difficult time."
A spokesman from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office confirmed on Tuesday that Butzier's name will not be removed from ballots, since voting has already begun.
Contributing: The Associated Press - reworded
Mercy statement on Dr. Doug Butzier
Dr. Doug Butzier was an emergency medicine physician and president of Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque's medical staff. He served on the hospital's board of trustees at the time of his death.
Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight said in a statement:
“Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years. His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:25 am | Updated: 7:19 pm, Tue Oct 14, 2014.
By Erik Hogstrom TH staff writer
A Dubuque doctor running as Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate died in a plane crash on Monday in the Key West area. Dr. Doug Butzier, 59, was an emergency medicine physician in Dubuque for 17 years. He was the pilot of the single-engine Piper PA-46 flying from Ankeny, Iowa, to Dubuque Regional Airport, according to family spokesman Dr. Tom Schreiber. “Doug touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was a great guy,” said Schreiber, a family medicine doctor at Medical Associates Clinic.
Dr. Butzier was a physician at the hospital, president of Mercy’s medical staff and was on the hospital’s board of trustees at the time of his death. “Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years,” said Mercy President and CEO Russell Knight in a statement. “His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge and enthusiasm, helping to produce the outstanding results Mercy has become known for. He was a leader among his peers, and we will all miss his strong, intelligent, thoughtful presence, and we express our collective condolences to Doug’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Butzier was born in Mount Pleasant and grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a graduate of Northern University High School (Price Lab) in 1973 and University of Iowa, where he obtained a general science degree in 1980 and a medical degree in 1984. He obtained an MBA from Iowa in 2007.
After an internship in Spokane, WA, and residency in Tucson, AZ, Butzier practiced emergency medicine in the Twin Cities and Tucson before coming to Dubuque. He served as a physician in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years and as medical director for the Dubuque and Asbury fire departments.
“We adored him,” said Wayne Dow, city EMS supervisor with the Dubuque Fire Department. “He was a former paramedic who put himself through medical school, and he brought that earthiness to his role. He appreciated what we did, and he never forgot where he came from.”
Dubuque City Council Member Ric Jones, a former city EMS supervisor, said, “He was a real likable fellow and an excellent doctor.” He admired Butzier’s ability to lead the city’s paramedic efforts with neutrality, despite being an emergency room doctor at one of Dubuque’s two competing hospitals. “When the hospitals would scrimmage over what patients should go where, he would always look out for the patient’s best interests,” Jones said.
Butzier was the chairman of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and had served on the council since 2006. “A lot of people are going to miss him for what he did to promote EMS in Dubuque County,” said Asbury Fire Chief Dave Grass.
Butzier married Ann Sawvel Chapman in 2010. He is survived by her, two sons and three stepchildren. The family requested privacy after Schreiber briefly spoke to media members on Tuesday.
Butzier coached and officiated youth soccer in AYSO and at the club level in Dubuque. “It was something passionate to his kids, and that passion spilled over to him,” said Jason Berna, administrator of Dubuque Soccer Club and assistant athletic director and head women’s soccer coach at University of Dubuque.
“Two years ago, he was seriously researching bringing an indoor athletics complex to the Dubuqueland area — it was his dream project,” Berna said.
Butzier entered politics this fall. He told TH Media that his strong belief in the need for smaller government and the principles of the Libertarian Party led him to become a candidate for U.S. Senate. Butzier acknowledged it was “nearly impossible” to get his message out amid all the campaign rhetoric of the major party candidates, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst. Both candidates issued statements of condolences.
Butzier recently reconnected with acquaintance Robert Miller, of West Des Moines, who said today that he and Butzier were friends in the early 1970s and worked together in Colorado, but drifted apart over the years. Miller saw a campaign sign of Butzier’s about two weeks ago, and called Butzier to talk about old times. Miller invited Butzier to his home in West Des Moines on Monday night for a small campaign event.
Butzier was flying back from that event when he crashed, a tearful Miller said today. “I’m glad I got to see him, but ....,” Miller said, his voice trailing off.
— The Associated Press contributed - reworded
© 2014 THonline.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Dr. Douglas J. Butzier, M.D., 59, of Dubuque died on October 13, 2014 as a result from injuries sustained in an air plane accident.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, at the Heritage Center, on Bennett and McCormick, University of Dubuque, where a visitation will follow until 6 p.m. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is assisting the family.
Douglas was born on June 2, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rutledge) Butzier.
Doug’s family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1960, where he attended Malcom Price Laboratory School from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from the Northern University High School in 1973. He started his college career at the University of Montana, studying Forestry. While living in Missoula, Montana, he began working as a fireman and then an EMT where he found his passion for the medical community. He returned to his home state to attend the University of Iowa, to complete his undergraduate degree and then his MD from the University of Iowa Medical School, in 1984. Doug completed his Emergency Medicine internship training at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane Washington. He then attended his residency training at the University of Arizona Trauma Center in Tucson, finishing this training in 1987.
Following his education, Doug worked as an ER doctor in the Twin Cities and Tucson before moving to Dubuque in 1997, where he has been with Mercy Medical Center ever since. He has remained very active in Mercy Hospital administrative service duties, including serving as Medical Staff President. He remained in practice as an Emergency Room physician at the time of his death. In his continuous pursuit of learning, Doug went on to obtain his MBA at the University of Iowa’s Executive MBA Program, in 2007. In addition, he was the Chair of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Doug was very active in his community, volunteering his time and talent on numerous boards, committees and organizations.
He was always looking for his next adventure ranging from a 6 week medical expedition to Nepal, to coaching and refereeing youth soccer and other sports as his five children grew up. He served as the Medical Director for the Dubuque and Asbury Fire Departments, he was the staff physician to the Dubuque County Jail, and the medical director for Kunkel & Associates.
His most recent calling was becoming involved in the political process, and so he became a candidate for the Libertarian Party for the US Senate seat from the great state of Iowa. He felt compelled to make a difference regarding several national issues, about which he was passionate and particularly well qualified to speak.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved backpacking, mountain climbing, hunting, exploring, biking, and working in his yard. He obtained his pilot’s license, and loved flying his own plane.
His greatest passion, after Ann, was flying, needing only the slightest excuse to go fly anywhere. He jumped at every opportunity to treat anybody to a scenic excursion in the sky. He was a highly experienced and tested pilot, and was alone in the plane at the time of the accident. He was an instrument rated pilot, and was working on his FAA Certified Flight Instructor’s license. He had logged more than 6 times the national average for private pilots, having flown over 1000 hours in just the last 6 years.
Doug has been working tirelessly to develop his vision of building the Grand River Indoor Sports Facility. He has spent years planning his dream to benefit youth sports and create opportunities in the greater Dubuque area. His dream was within reach as he was in the process of purchasing the land, and funding the project.
Surviving is his wife, Ann; two sons, Nic of Iowa City and Alex of Eden Prairie MN, step-daughter Sarah Chapman, and step-sons Ben Chapman and Chris Chapman all of Dubuque; also his brothers David (Suzi) of Boise, and Stuart (Robin) of Albuquerque and his five treasured nephews; Christopher, Logan, Matthew, Joseph and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the following:
In memory of Dr. Douglas J. Butzier
c/o Dubuque Mercy Medical Center
250 Mercy Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Or: MPLS Plaza Project
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
205 Commons,
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282
Or: Make a Wish Foundation in Dubuque
Or: Other contributions will be dispersed to the many other charitable organizations that Doug and Ann have contributed to over the years.
For more information please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
Special thank you to all the first responders for your help at this terrible accident as well all of the emergency community of Dubuque and the surrounding area.
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