Ernest F. "Ernie" Beutel Jr., age 77 of Monroe, died Friday, December 2, 2016, at Pleasant View Nursing Home with his loving family by his side. Ernie was born on April 10, 1939, in Monroe, the son of Ernest and Dorothy (Smith) Beutel.

He graduated from Monticello High School in 1957, and entered the U.S. Army in October 1958. Ernie served in Germany and was honorably discharged in February 1962. He was a farmer at heart and farmed in the Monticello area for many years. He was married to Anna May Saxer and was blessed with three wonderful daughters. He married Nancy Drafahl on October 1, 1977, and was blessed with two sons. Ernie worked at Argyle Industries for several years and retired in 2014 after several years of employment at the YMCA of Green County. He was a member of the Washington Reformation United Church of Christ, where he sang in the choir and was a Past President of the Consistory. Ernie loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, was an avid Brewer, Packer, and Badger fan, and he and Nancy enjoyed riding ATVs with family in Black River Falls and the Northwoods. Ernie also looked forward to helping his friend Mark on the farm, and was a former New Glarus Home board member.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Beutel; a son, Terry (Kara) Beutel; three daughters, Tammy (Jeff) Mabis, Vicki Bigler (Dave LaCrosse), and Kim (Rick) Sies; grandchildren, Cole, Caleb, Brittany (Adam), Dylan (Kami), Cody, Colton, Amber, and Aimee; a sister, Gloria Erickson (LeRoy Gavigan); and three brothers, Dave (Sandy), John, and Hermie Beutel. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Virginia Drafahl; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Josh (Devon) Kammerud and Peter Bigler; and his cat, Ty.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Tracy Lee; his parents; a brother, Jim Beutel; brother-in-law, Jim Erickson; and father-in-law, Calvin Drafahl.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at the Washington Reformation UCC with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Ernie's name.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.