Paul William Deutscher

Paul William Deutscher, child of God, joined his Heavenly Father on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in his hometown of Scotland, South Dakota. He was healed of all earthly ailments and rejoices in God’s presence. He joined his lovely wife Emily and all of the saints that traveled before him at the age of 88. 

On November 5, 1936 Paul was born in Scotland, South Dakota, the third child of Sarah (Frey) Deutscher and Henry William Deutscher. Paul was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith in the Bethany Reformed Church in Scotland by Rev. Henry Heinbuch.

Paul attended the Gunn Country School District #9 until the 6th grade and enrolled in the Scotland Elementary School. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1955 where he was active in sports and music. After graduating, Paul continued assisting his father on their family farm 3 miles east of Scotland.

Paul married his sweetheart, Emily Meyer on April 7, 1957. To this union four children were born: Kim, Michael, Julie and Robin.

Paul was active in the Ebenezer Reformed Church south of Scotland and later the First Presbyterian Church in Scotland. He served on the Consistory and the Session, taught Sunday School and served as the Education Superintendent. He served on the Bon Homme County Extension Board. In recent years he was a member of the Scotland Community Church. He was eternally grateful for his wife and father-in-law Rev. Andrew B. Meyer who shared with him God’s love and sacred word.

He enjoyed the friends he made on his baseball, church softball teams and bowling leagues. The bowling team won the State Tournament in Deadwood one year. Deer hunting trips and playing cards were also enjoyed. Family trips were highlights of his life along with trips to Branson. Teaching Kim to care for her 4-H purple ribbon calves were cherished years. Then, guiding his Grandson Jeremy, to learn how farms work were precious times, culminating into Jeremy (and his future wife Alexis) running the combine to finish his last corn harvest in the fall of 2008.

In 1970 Paul and Emily bought the farm, which had been founded by his Grandparents, John D. and Julia Deutscher. He was very proud that the farm was designated a Century Farm during his lifetime. Paul and Emily were honored at the South Dakota State Fair in 2001 for this achievement.

Many improvements were made to the farm over the years. Paul enjoyed checking the crops as they matured. Bringing in the harvest, he praised the Lord for the abundant years and the lean years as well. He especially enjoyed the cows and calves as he cared for them and watched them grow.

Paul and Emily retired from farming in 2010 and moved to 330 Juniper in Scotland. They were so happy that a family who purchased their Century farm cared about continuing their legacy. Especially knowing that there were little ones currently growing up there. On September 24, 2017 Emily - his “Miss America” - passed away from the genetic respiratory disease Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. 

In his spare time bowling, playing pinochle and visiting with many folks was his joy. He helped others and did so without a second thought.

One of Paul’s favorite Bible verses that he loved and lived his life by was “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart: and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30. 

Paul will be greatly missed by his family who look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Kim (Michael) Ward of Norwalk, IA; grandson and ‘partner’ Jeremy (Alexis) Ward of Springboro, OH; great-grandsons, Aiden and Owen; brothers-in-law, Gale Wagner, Darrell DeHeer, Lee Krein, Dick Deutscher, Bruce Jensen, Andy Meyer and Steve Meyer; sisters-in-law, Mary Wagner, Joy Krein, and Susan Deutscher; and many nieces and nephews. 

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Deutscher; parents, William and Sarah Deutscher; brother, Charlie Deutscher; sister, Donna Kramer; babies, Michael Paul, Julie Ann and Robin Renee.

The family invites you to Paul’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 22 at the Scotland Community Church, 350 Williams St., Scotland, SD. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service. 

Because of Paul’s limited eyesight he spent many years in semi-darkness. To celebrate his heavenly sight the family suggests friends and family wear colorful attire for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation by visiting www.alpha1.org/donate or by sending mail to the following address: Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134 This is the pulmonary disease that Emily suffered with.