Loretta Marguerite Beuter

Loretta Marguerite Beuter, 94, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and sweet and spicy woman, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 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. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry, Iowa or The Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center, Iowa. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Loretta was born on December 15, 1931, in Wadena, Iowa, the fourth daughter of Francis and Margaret Corkery. She spent her childhood barefoot and free, happily exploring the hills, timber, and fresh springs of northeast Iowa. During World War II, the Corkery family relocated to Tipton, Iowa.

Inspired by a love of learning, Loretta attended Mount Mercy College and began her teaching career before marrying James Beuter following his return home from Korea. Together they built a life centered on faith and family.

After moving to Perry, Iowa, Loretta completed her degree in education at Drake University while raising her young family. She taught elementary school for 35 years in Perry, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students through her humor, frankness and practical instruction.

Loretta and Jim were faithful members of St. Patrick Catholic Church for 62 years. They proudly celebrated their Irish heritage and loved traveling together throughout the American West, driving on remote and picturesque roads seeking adventure.

In retirement, Loretta found great joy in tending her large garden. She delighted in buying new plants each spring as her heart desired and reflected her bright spirit. Her home was always welcoming with ironed pillowcases, homemade bread and stunning black raspberry jelly. Loretta enjoyed spending time with her growing family, traveling to help with new babies in Washington, Illinois, Florida, Texas Iowa. Spending time with the Perry retired teachers was a highlight.

Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Beuter, her son, Patrick Beuter, her parents Francis and Margaret Corkery, as well as her sisters Marie Fagan, Cecilia Barker, and Mary Frances Vogel.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Bernadette (Ed) Leach of Plano, TX, Paul (Sheila) Beuter of Seattle WA, and Michele (Scott) Peck Burlington, IA. As well as her grandchildren: Johann (Kathryn Aken) Leach, Anastasia (Alejandro) Lepe, Carl (Maddie) Beuter, Mitchell (Ashley) Peck, and Miles (Haley) Peck; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Carmela Lepe, Leo Lepe, and Nolan Peck. She also joyfully awaited the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren expected later this year.

Loretta will be remembered for her unfiltered wit, a sneaky cigarette, a love of teaching, the beauty she cultivated in her gardens and the unconditional love she gave to her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she helped shape, both in her classroom and in her home.

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