Minnesota Woman Known as 'Queen of Bars' Passes Away at 94
Juanita Butterfass, a 94-year-old Minnesota resident, passed away on July 21st, 2026. Born in Eagle Bend, Todd County, Minnesota, she grew up on a farm and later attended St. Cloud State before moving to Minneapolis for work at Honeywell in 1955.
She married Duane Butterfass in 1956 and raised five children with him in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Juanita was an active member of her church throughout her life and was known for her musical talents on the piano, organ, and accordion. She also loved to cook and bake, earning the nickname 'The Queen of Bars' for her delicious baked goods.
After 60 years of marriage, Duane Butterfass passed away in 2012, leaving Juanita to live out her final years at Lake Ridge Assisted Living in Buffalo, Minnesota. Her last three months were spent at the Lake Ridge Oasis Center for end-of-life care, where she received support from nursing staff, chaplain Joel, and Trinity Hospice.