Bill Stutz   --  1993

     Bill Stutz was born in Scotland, S.D., to Frederick and Maria Stutz on Sept. 8, 1898.   He passed away June 6, 1993 at the age of 94 years and 9 months.
     He is survived by three sons:  Jim and his wife Wanda of Aurora; Fred of Aurora, Richard and his wife Nancy of Brighton; two daughters, Gladys Garlow and her husband Floyd of Denver, Agnes McCormick and her husband Jack of Webb City, MO; 15 grandchildren and 23 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine sisters and one brother, two grandsons and two great-granddaughters and his wife Alvina.
     Services were held at Hope Congregational Church of Bethune with Rev. Ted Meter officiating.  Music was provided by the Hope Messengers.  Organist was Dolores Dobler and pianist was Velda Adolf.  
     Bill came to this community by covered wagon at about 5 weeks of age.  As a young man he enjoyed the farm, was involved in youth groups, quartets and playing the pump organ for church and the saxophone in the Burlington band.  He was employed at the hardware store and the lumber yard, and operated the grocery store in Bethune.  He was the second mayor of Bethune and a member of the school board.
     In 1927, Bill married Alvina Schlichenmayer and returned to the farm to make their home.
      In 1935, during the Dust Bowl, he felt compelled to leave the farm and move his family to Elizabeth, CO and later to the Denver area where he operated a grocery and feed store.
      During World War II, he worked in heavy construction at various military installations in the state.  Later he became a livestock broker, a work he thoroughly enjoyed until he retired.
     In his lifetime, from covered wagon to a computerized age, many stories have evolved and may people have learned about his "good old days".
     Bill Stutz will truly be missed by his family and may friends.  Memories will be enjoyed and shared for years to come.  His stories of "The Good Old Days" will be passed on and on, as well as the memories of a very special person that many loved and cherished.