Robert Beutler Obituary

Robert Beutler Jr.

Robert Arthur Beutler Jr. of Findlay, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at age 81.

Robert, known to his family and friends as Bob, Dad, and Grande, was a world of a man. He was unfailingly generous and kind in both spirit and deeds. Bob was born August 15, 1944, in Cleveland, to Robert Arthur and Ruth Becker Beutler. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1974, being honorably discharged as a Captain in 1975. He was an alumnus of Staunton Military Academy, THE Ohio State University and Capital Law School. Bob met the love of his life, Laurel Lange, at Ohio State, and they married in Columbus in 1967. They eventually moved to Findlay in 1971.

In his career as an accomplished attorney, Bob served as an Assistant Law Director for the City of Findlay, a magistrate for the Findlay Municipal Court, and a partner at the firm Hackenberg, Beutler, Rasmussen, and Feighner. He was admitted to practice law in both the State of Ohio and before the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Bob's honors in and contributions to his community are legion: he was a member and past president of the Findlay Hancock County Bar Association, the founding member, past president, and participant of the Big Brothers of Hancock County program, founder of the Findlay Make-a-Wish program, Findlay Citizen of the Year by the Civitan Club, Chair of the Professional Division of the United Way, and was also a past member of the Community Corrections Board, Findlay Rotary, Findlay Jaycees, Findlay Men's Association, Broken Bird Rod & Gun Club, Findlay Pickleball Club, Hamilton Lake Pickleball Club, life member AmVets, Pheasants Forever, the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 0748, the 48th Bomb Group (H) Association, Hamilton Lake Rat Pack, and IBWF. He additionally coached Little Miss Softball and Little League in Findlay from 1974-1984.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Robert; mother, Ruth; brother, Randolph; son, Rand; and grandson, Nathan Erickson.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years, Laurel; his daughter, Dawn (Mark) Erickson; son, Zach (Kelly) Beutler;grandchildren, Devin (Elizabeth) Erickson, Lydia Erickson, Jude Beutler, and Cole Beutler; great-granddaughter, Harper Erickson; brother, Jay (Kathy) Beutler; and Little Brother, Darryl (Linda) Menerey.

An ardent fan of the Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, pheasant hunting, fishing, traveling, skiing, reading, and (always) telling a great joke, what brought Bob the most joy in his life was his family, friends, and spending time on Hamilton Lake. He loved naps in the hammock, pickleball, anything with chocolate or ice cream, sitting on the porch, and pontoon sunset cruises.

As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was without equal, and every moment spent with him brought either comfort or joy (but often both). Could anyone have left an encounter with Bob without a smile? Anything is possible. But the world is surely less bright without him in it.

Bob's lasting impact on his family, community, and anyone who had the chance to meet him is immeasurable. His actions and deeds in life were always carried with the utmost integrity, respect, and an honest sense of right. It is the highest testament to his character that he made even what could be the smallest of gestures so profound and lasting to those who knew him and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Hope House of Findlay, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or any charity of choice.

A celebratory visitation in his honor will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, with a private service to follow at the visitation's conclusion.

Online condolences can be expressed to family by visiting www.coldrencrates.com.