Arlen Guthmiller

1939 - 2016

Arlen Guthmiller

Arlen P. Guthmiller, age 76, of Huron, died Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at home while in hospice care after a year-long battle with mesothelioma. His funeral service will be held at 11AM, Saturday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 1-7PM, at Kuhler Funeral Home, with his family present from 5-7PM.

Arlen P. Guthmiller was born October 28, 1939, to John J. and Johanna (Reinecke) Guthmiller, at home on the family farm near Leola, South Dakota. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. William Reinecke, at St. James Lutheran Church in Leola, where he was also confirmed. His first eight years of education were in Spring Township rural school. Arlen graduated from Leola High School in 1957. He continued his education at Northern State University in Aberdeen for two and one-half years.

Arlen and his brother, Harold continued to operate the family farm after his mother died when he was twelve and his father died when he was seventeen. His sister, Margaret helped on the farm during the summers.

On July 5, 1964, Arlen married Leta Ehley at St. James Lutheran Church in Leola where they continued to live. He worked for Peavey Lumber until 1975, at which time they purchased a farm and operated it until he retired in 2000.

Arlen served as a volunteer fireman for thirty years for the City of Leola. He was also on the city council and church council.

Arlen enjoyed fishing, especially when he and Leta had a home at Little Leola on the Missouri. Playing cards and dominoes were favorite pastimes, especially with his grandchildren. He was a loyal fan of the L.A. Dodgers. Arlen and Leta enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing furniture as well as spending winter months in Arizona.

In 2011, Arlen and Leta moved to Huron to be closer to their two daughters and their son and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold; one son-in-law, Travis Bair; and one brother-in-law, Ray E. Novak.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Leta of Huron; their children, Trevor (Melissa) Guthmiller of Brandon, Tammy (Michael) Dramstad of Huron, and Terrill (Jason) Bechtold of Huron; six grandchildren, Thorn and Thacher Dramstad, Adam and Ashley Guthmiller, and Brenna and Logan Ackerman; two step-grandchildren, Brooke and Kendra Bechtold; and one sister, Margaret Novak of Sioux Falls. www.kuhlerfuneralhome.com