Sociology professor dies at 56

Frederick H. Buttel, 56, died at his home on Jan. 14 after a long battle with cancer.

Buttel earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW–Madison, followed by a master’s in forestry and environmental studies at Yale and a doctorate in sociology at UW–Madison. He joined the UW–Madison faculty nearly 13 years ago and was a leading scholar in rural sociology.

Buttel was a co-director of the Program on Agricultural Technology Studies and was the William H. Sewell Professor of Rural Sociology. In 2002 he received the Hilldale Award for his contributions to teaching, research and outreach. He also received the Spitz Land-Grant Faculty Award from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 2004, and the Distinguished Rural Sociologist Award from the Rural Sociological Society in 2004.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.