Vladas Butenas, 69, for many years a prominent figure in Chicago’s Lithuanian community, died Sunday in Christ Hospital and Medical Center, Oak Lawn.
Mr. Butenas, a native of Lithuania, came to the United States in 1949 and settled in Gage Park. He worked as a linotype operator for the Chicago Sun-Times and wrote a column for the weekly Lithuanian community newspaper Draugas. He was a member of the Lithuanian Journalists’ Association in Chicago.
In 1978, Mr. Butenas moved to Washington to become a radio broadcaster on the Lithuanian desk of Voice of America. After his retirement in 1992, he moved back to Oak Lawn.
Mr. Butenas was also the author of several books, including a two-volume account of the Lithuanian resistance movement against the Soviets.
He is survived by his wife, Dalia; two sons, Gint and Eugene; and a sister.
Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Petkus Marquette Funeral Home, 2533 W. 71st St., Chicago. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday in Immaculate Conception Church, 2700 W. 44th St., Chicago.
