In Loving Memory of Alice L. Butler
Beloved Wife, Devoted Mother, Quiet Champion of Community April 12, 1931 – April 15, 2026.

Alice L. Butler of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 95. A woman of grace, humility, and unwavering compassion, Alice lived a life defined not by the recognition she received, but by the countless lives she lifted up without ever seeking attention for herself. Her legacy is woven deeply into the heart of Dubuque—a community she cherished and quietly strengthened for decades.

Born Alice Lehmann, she grew up with a love of learning, athletics, and service. A proud alumna of Laurel School and Wellesley College, she carried forward a lifelong passion for fitness, teamwork, and education. Her early love of field hockey and her belief in the power of strong teachers shaped her understanding of how encouragement can change a life—an understanding she later poured into her philanthropic work.

Alice married the love of her life, John E. Butler, and together they built a partnership rooted in devotion, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to their family and community. Their marriage was a true collaboration—one that blended warmth, humor, and a shared belief that blessings are meant to be passed on. Alice’s family was her greatest joy, and she nurtured each member with quiet strength, steadfast support, and a deep, abiding love. She was deeply devoted to her children, Susan and Andrew, taking great pride in the lives they built and always offering her steady encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love. She supported their educational and athletic endeavors with passion, cheering, coaching, and getting them to and from their events and activities. Throughout her life, she supported family deeply with love, laughter and smiles. She was blessed to have several grandchildren and great grandchildren who would make her smile.

Though she never sought the spotlight, Alice’s impact on Dubuque and beyond is profound. She served as president of the YWCA, contributed her time to the Visiting Nurse Association Junior Board, and the Girl Scouts. Her leadership was always gentle, always steady, and always focused on helping others rise.
Alongside her husband, Alice became one of the region’s most humble philanthropists. Their generosity helped shape the cultural, educational, and scientific landscape of Dubuque. The Alice L. Butler Science Center at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center stands as a testament to her love of nature and learning. John and Alice Butler Hall at the University of Dubuque reflects their belief in the transformative power of the arts. Their support for the University of Iowa’s vision research, Laurel School’s Butler Campus, and the University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center and Opus 97 pipe organ further demonstrates a lifetime of giving rooted in compassion rather than recognition.

In 2024, Alice and John made one of the most significant gifts in the history of the University of Dubuque to establish the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine, Iowa’s first new medical school in more than a century. Even then, Alice preferred to remain in the background, letting the work speak for itself.

Through every act of service, every quiet donation, every moment of encouragement, Alice embodied the belief that true generosity is measured not in accolades, but in the lives touched and opportunities created. She lived that belief fully.

Alice’s love for Dubuque was constant and deep. She delighted in its riverfront, its history, its people, and its promise. She believed in this community—and she helped it flourish in ways that will continue to benefit generations to come.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John; children, Susan (Ed) Ritts and Andrew (Debi) Butler, both of Dubuque; grandchildren Edwin Ritts III, Sidney (Josh) Eskew; grandchildren Ryan (Priscilla) Butler, Cole & Mason Ritts; great grandchildren Nellie & Nore Eskew and Isabella & Julia Butler; brother-in-law, Tim (Nancy) Butler; beloved nieces and nephews; and a community forever grateful for her gentle strength and boundless kindness.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Heritage Center in Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The University of Dubuque Scholarship Fund and Hospice of Dubuque.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her quiet legacy of love, humility, and upliftment continue to inspire all who follow.