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205 West Sandusky Street

Findlay, Ohio

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier on Feb. 17, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Beutler

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J.Steve and Julie Welton

February 25, 2026

Dear Laurie, Dawn, Zach and Family,
Some people are a blessing to know . . . Bob being one of them.
We remember his gentle smiles, good stories, dedication to his family, community and our fond memories of long ago.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time and months ahead. Julie and J.
Steve Welton

Karin Johnson

February 21, 2026

Bob was a neighbor and it was a pleasure knowing him! When we moved into the neighborhood I had three dogs and walked with them daily. He nicknamed me `Three Dog Night´. Later I had only two dogs and I think that disappointed him to have to change it to `two dog night´ . His love of people was obvious in our brief meetings as I passed his house on my walks. Always a wave as he zipped by in his Corvette. I had this idea of writing the history of our neighborhood a few years ago. I sent out letters to the neighbors asking for stories and Bob was my first, and quick, response. I´m so glad I have that from him and it will be a privilege to get back to that idea. Prayers of peace for his precious wife and family.

Chris Friend

February 19, 2026

As a Hamilton Lake Rat in Training (RIT) I knew Bob as Taco Bob. Taco Bob was a founding member of the Rat Pack alongside with my grandfather and a number of other legends. These middle to late aged guys were always up to something. Taco Bob in particular was notorious for passing out hot dogs from his swim raft, cruising around in his Stud Tug and the famous "sinking" of the knight ceremony in the middle of the lake -that actually didn't sink as it was filled with foam without Taco Bob knowing! While it has been a decade or more since I saw Taco, I'll never forget what a great human being he was and what a great life he led. Rest in peace Taco Bob.

Carolyn Barker-Boutwell

February 19, 2026

So very sorry for your loss!! What a wonderful man! He will be greatly missed!! Helped me alot when my husband passed away in 2010. Lots of integrity!! My hurts for Laurie, Zac,Dawn and family. He's with Jesus now!!!

Loren & Nancy Weber

February 17, 2026

Great guy and friend. Bob will be missed by all who knew him. We will always remember the card club, the ski trips, and the jokes.

Loren & Nancy Weber

Bruce McKinney

February 17, 2026

I was late coming to the Bob party but I´m sure glad I made it! In our too brief friendship Bob gave me a ton of laughs as we reminisced over life experiences and ailments and he even put his lawyer hat on as a last official attorney act to set up my estate. Vaya con Dios Bob.$

David Hackenberg

February 17, 2026

In 1971 Bob made my life so much easier. Accepted a position with my newbie law firm, accepted a part time city prosecutor position, and was for the next 40 years or so an outstanding citizen to Findlay and Hancock County as well as the State of Ohio. Miss ya Taco. RIP

Lorri Spitsnaugle Mitchell

February 17, 2026

Met Bob through my inlaws
Very nice man

Group of 5 Memorial Trees

Beverly Lanoue

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

T.R. Unice, Jr.

February 16, 2026

Bob had a tremendous impact on my life. He gave me an opportunity to work as a clerk in his office in 1981. He allowed me to prosecute misdemeanors in court thereby whetting my appetite to become a prosecutor which I did in Pinellas County, Florida. I later became a civil trial lawyer. I never would have chosen this path in my career without being introduced to litigation by Bob. Although I was only a clerk, Bob included me in many events in the city of Findlay. He introduced me his many friends, included me in business lunches and on one occasion took me skeet shooting. He was a great man with a tremendous personality and a unique sense of humor. Thank you, Bob, for giving me a start in my career. Rest in peace and may God comfort your family through their grief.

Janet Young

February 16, 2026

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jasen Beutler

February 15, 2026

I remember going out to uncle Bobbie cottage out in Indiana and him taking me out on the lake in the boat and taking me tubing and riding jet skis and just having a great time. I remember he would call me meathead sometimes lol and going to the Indians games and going out for chicken wings at Romans lV. He will never be forgotten and always be missed DeepestSympathy Jasen Beutler Nephew Christopher Alex Beutler 1st. cousins.

John C Sackmann

February 15, 2026

Condolences to the family. Bob will be missed with his one liners. A sbrother gone too soon. He was one ready for an adventure.

Paul v Ballinger

February 15, 2026

Bob and I were neighbors and good friends. Bob was all ways ready to go. We would go fishing, hunting in Nebraska or playing gin at the gun club. He was always the life of the party. He was always kind to people. A great guy!

Dennis Fitzgerald

February 15, 2026

Bob was the headliner on his life tour and we were his devoted undercard second bananas . It was a privilege to be his audience.

Dennis Fitzgerald

February 15, 2026

Bob was the headliner on his life tour and we were his devoted undercard second bananas .

Cody Stanton

February 14, 2026

Bob and I only met a few times (he was my grandfather´s lawyer), but I will always be grateful for the great work he did on behalf of my family after my grandfather passed away and the sage advice he gave me before I went to law school. His family will be in my prayers.

Brad Lange

February 14, 2026

I will always remember Uncle Bob as always having a joke to make you laugh. And he was lots of fun when we got to ski together. I will always love and miss him.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
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Feb

20

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME

205 W. Sandusky St, Findlay, OH 45840

Funeral services provided by:

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840

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