Gerald Beutler, 97, Eureka, SD, died Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Avera Eureka Healthcare Center.

Gerald William Beutler, son of Hulda (Speiring) and Frank Beutler, was born at Albee, SD, the youngest of five children. Gerald was brought up in Albee and attended Revillo, SD Public School, graduating with the Class of 1946. He was active in basketball and kittenball for the Wildcats. He then taught at a country school in Grant County from 1947-1951. Gerald served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953. In 1953, he matriculated at Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen, SD where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Education Degree. Gerald married Gladys Hanson at Marietta, MN on January 29, 1955. In the fall of 1956, the Beutlers moved to Eureka where Gerald began his career in education. He was a teacher for four years and for the next four years he was school Principal and also continued teaching. He continued at the Eureka School as superintendent from 1964-1984. From 1985-1992 he was superintendent of the Roscoe, SD Public School. He closed out his career as administrator at Holy Cross Catholic School in Ipswich, SD for five years. In retirement, he frequently was a substitute teacher. From 1956 through present day, Gerald has been best known as Mr. Beutler. In addition to his education career, Gerald was a lifelong farmer. He purchased a farm five miles east of Eureka in the 1960’s which his family continues to operate. Gerald was an active member of the Eureka community where he served his Church as council president, was a member of the Fred Weller American Legion Post No. 186, Eureka, SD, and served on the Eureka City Council. Although he had a few hobbies like stamp, Danbury Mint, and coin collecting, fast pitch softball, and pulling for the Detroit Tigers, his main passion was his career in education. As his sons said, “Mr. Beutler loved seeing others excel”. In closing, Mr. Beutler would say—“Its our time for this time until next time”.

Gerald is survived by three sons—Gerard (Mary) Beutler of Merritt Island, FL, Wayne (Terry) Beutler of Bismarck, ND, and Glenn (Karen) Beutler of Eureka; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, on December 27, 2010; his parents, Frank and Hulda; two brothers; and two sisters.

Gerald’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM, Friday, August 22, 2025 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Eureka, led by Pastor Ryan Gage. Interment, with military graveside rites by the Eureka Legion Post, follows at the Church Cemetery. Organist will be Robin Wolff and granddaughter-in-law, Kianna Beutler will sing “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” and “How Great Thou Art”. Ushers will be Greg Merkel and Kevin Hoff.

Honorary bearers will be Gerald’s great-grandchildren.

Casketbearers will be Eric Beutler of Watertown, SD; Amber Beutler Koutney of Houston, TX; Andrea Carow and Adam Carow of Bismarck; Taylor Beutler of Aberdeen; and Brandon Beutler of Eureka.

Visitation will be at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka, from 7:30-9:00 PM Thursday.

Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.