William Beutler

William “Bill” Beutler lived a full and abundant life in Christ. He passed away at the age of 72 in his home in Moorhead on September 2, 2020, under the care of hospice. Bill was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in May of 2019, which he responded to as he did everything, by entrusting himself completely to the will of God. He grew up in South Dakota on the family farm with his parents and five siblings. After high school graduation he moved to Moorhead. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration from Moorhead State College, where he was active in the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation he served in the Army for two years before returning to Moorhead, where he met Sandy Peterson. They were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead in May of 1976. Bill and Sandy welcomed three children and took great joy in raising their family. Bill worked as a contractor and eventually a Project Manager/Estimator at Simonson Lumber in Fargo. Bill and Sandy had a marriage that was grounded in faith and it was evident in the way that they cared for one another and their children. Their love for each other has been a great witness to their kids, one for which they will be eternally grateful. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Also close to Bill’s heart was serving on the board for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, which he did for a 7-year term. He also served on the board for Churches United for the Homeless for 12 years. He was happy to see the two organizations come together as one as that had been his hope while serving with both ministries. In 2013 he was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church, which allowed him to continue to serve others and give of himself as he had done throughout his life. During his battle with cancer, he chose to surrender to God and to suffer well, uniting himself with Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, three children Jay (Amy) Beutler, Monica (Jordan) Buchhorn, and Ashley Beutler (boyfriend Isaac Simburger). He is also survived by his grandchildren Peter, Philip, and John Beutler and Cora, Regina, Fulton, Edmund, Hildegard, and baby (due in December) Buchhorn. Bill is also survived by his siblings Lou (Ron) Nealis, Paul (Mary) Beutler, Luci (Jerry) Sparby, and Ray (Sharon) Beutler; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Paul Haaf, Denny and Diane Kragnes, Doug and Donna Pfeifer, and Bruce and Deb Hicks as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Rosetta Beutler, as well as his father- and mother-in-law, Harold and Edna Peterson. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Marli Haaf, and his grandchildren, William, Francis and Rebecca Beutler, and Levi Buchhorn. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead at 1 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2020. His Prayer Service will be held 7 PM on Friday, September 4, 2020 with visitation beginning at 5 PM, also at St. Joseph’s. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Moorhead.