Heert Paul Dewindt

January 5, 1947 – July 20, 2026

Heert Paul "Butch" deWindt, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 20, 2026, at the home he shared with his beloved wife, Linda, until her passing three years ago. Butch and Linda shared 48 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. While his family grieves his loss, they find comfort in knowing he is reunited with the love of his life.

Butch was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, a larger-than-life spirit, and a deep love for his family.

A lifelong plumber and heating and cooling tradesman, Butch believed in honest work and using his skills to help others. Whether he was earning a paycheck or trading a favor, he never minded getting his hands dirty. He taught his children the value of hard work, keeping their word, and always doing the best they could. Those lessons became one of his greatest legacies.

Butch was a cowboy in every sense of the word. The cowboy hat, boots, and big belt buckle weren't just a style, they were simply part of who he was. He loved his horses, his dogs, the California desert, and the freedom of the open outdoors. Some of his family's favorite memories were made exploring old mine shafts, racing dune buggies through the desert washes, and speeding across dry lake beds with the biggest grin on his face.

He also had a passion for collecting cars, many of them projects he always planned to restore "someday." He was an avid fan of Westerns, especially anything starring John Wayne. Above all, Butch loved to laugh. His unmistakable belly laugh filled every room, and his quick wit often left people shaking their heads before breaking into laughter themselves.

If someone needed help, Butch was already on his way before they even finished asking. He opened both his home and his heart to family members in need, including several nieces and nephews who found a safe place with him. His generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others will never be forgotten.

His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was immensely proud of each of his children and grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to let them know how much they meant to him.

After losing Linda, Butch never stopped missing her. He spoke of her often, and those who knew him could see the depth of his love. His family takes comfort in believing they are together once again.

Butch is survived by his children: Scott (Kelly) deWindt of Phelan, California; Terri Lynn DeWindt of Hutchinson, Kansas; Heert Wayne (Crystal) DeWindt of Hutchinson, Kansas; Thomas Van Wagoner of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Krista (Robert) McLaughlin of Chesterfield, Michigan.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kaylene deWindt, Cody deWindt, Sara McLaughlin, Douglas (Melissa) DeWindt, Daniel (Cheyenne) DeWindt, and Daycee (Gabriel) DeWindt; his great-grandchildren, Harper, Canaan, Eden, and Peter DeWindt; and his brother, John Edward (Patricia) deWindt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Heert and Ella Lavora deWindt; his beloved wife, Linda deWindt; his grandson, Eric Thomas; and his siblings, Greta Insley, Alta Unitt, Janis McKoon, Tena deWindt, and Wietze Lyman deWindt.

Butch also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He shared an especially close bond with many of them, relationships he treasured throughout his life.

Legends like Butch don't come along very often. He leaves behind a lifetime of lessons, laughter, unforgettable adventures, and a family forever shaped by his love, strength, and example. His memory will live on in every story shared around a campfire, every helping hand extended to someone in need, and every laugh that reminds us of his own.

Until we meet again, ride easy, Cowboy.