James Richard Beuter

James Richard Beuter, 96, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and man of unwavering faith, Jim lived a life defined by service, hard work, and generosity.

Jim was born on October 30, 1929, on the family farm seven miles north of West Branch, Iowa, to Nicholas Bennett Beuter and Margaret Frances (Barry) Beuter. Growing up during the Great Depression on an Iowa farm instilled in him the values of faith and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.

He attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade before graduating from Iowa City High School in 1947. It had a profound impact on his life. Jim answered his country's call by serving in the U.S. Army with the 25th ID during the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, the U. N. Service Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. Years later, he was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and received a Quilt of Honor from the Perry Peacemakers.

Returning home from Korea, Jim's relationship with Loretta Corkery grew into a lifelong love story. They were married on July 29, 1954, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tipton, Iowa, beginning a marriage that lasted 71 years.

Together they began farming near Tipton, where Jim was nominated as Cedar County's Outstanding Young Farmer in 1955. In 1961, he accepted a position with Growmark Services, launching a distinguished 35-year career in agricultural sales. Working as a Crop Production Specialist serving Dallas County before being promoted to Iowa Regional Sales Manager. He retired in 1995.

Jim enjoyed a successful career. He would say his greatest accomplishments happened outside the workplace. A long time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he faithfully served as a lector for many years, living his Catholic faith every day. He reminded others that the Word of the Lord was essential for salvation. He dedicated his time to train lectors to be effective readers of the Word.

Woodworking was Jim's greatest hobby. As he wrote in his own notes, it was "a blessing given to me by God." He created beautiful furniture for family and friends and volunteered his craftsmanship during the restoration of St. Patrick's Church. Working alongside fellow parishioners Wilbur and Louie, he devoted many months to helping restore the church he loved, considering it one of the greatest teamworking opportunities of his life.

Jim also found joy in gardening, dancing, and sharing time with family and friends. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Perry Economic Development, Farm Bureau and the Central Iowa Polka Club. He was the initial architect and principal integrator of the Progressive Field of Perry. Whatever he did, Jim approached it with gusto, a plan, and to be large and in charge.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of more than 70 years, Loretta Beuter; his children, Bernadette (Ed) Leach, Paul (Sheila) Beuter, and Michele (Scott) Peck; his grandchildren, Johann (Katheryn Aken) Leach, Anastasia (Alejandro) Lepe, Nadia Leach, Carl Beuter (Maddie), Audrey Beuter, Mitchell (Ashley) Peck, and Miles (Haley) Peck; his cherished great-grandchildren, Carmela Lepe, Leo Lepe, and Nolan Peck; two more great-grandchildren expected this fall; his brothers, Barry Beuter and Nick Beuter as well as countless nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Margaret Beuter; his son, Patrick James Beuter; his brothers, Robert Beuter and Thomas Beuter, and his sister Margaret (Beuter) Crock.

His greatest legacy is found in the family he loved so deeply and in the example he set as a faithful husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and servant of God.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.

A luncheon will be served immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School in Perry, Iowa.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23