Royce Dale “Butch” Closterman, 86, of Kansas City, MO, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, March 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 310 Waverly St., Alma, MO 64001, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2003 N. Englewood Rd., Kansas City, MO 64118, or the Salvation Army at: https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout.  An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Born April 16, 1938, in Grand Pass, MO, he was the son of the late George B. Closterman and Lois E. Ritchhart Closterman.  Royce was a graduate of Santa Fe High School in Grand Pass and then attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington.  On February 28, 1959, he married Ruth Evelyn Steffens who survives of the home.  Royce began a 43-year career with DST Systems Incorporated in 1967 and served in various management and officer positions until his retirement in 2010.  While Royce and Ruth lived in the Kansas City area for over 50 years, there was still a part of their heart that remained in Lafayette County.  So much that they still maintained a home in Alma where they spent an untold number of weekends and where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church.

In addition to his wife of over 66 years, Ruth; he is survived by two sons, Mark Dale Closterman (Stephanie) of Lake Viking and Merle Dean Closterman (Kelly) of Kansas City; five grandchildren: Jo Closterman-Smith, Connie Closterman, Corey Closterman, Jacob Closterman and Brooke Gans; three great-grandchildren: Aubrianna, Delaney and Charlotte; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Raymond and Ronald Closterman.