Ethan David Beutler 1-24-24

August 7, 2001 — January 20, 2024

American Falls

Ethan David Beutler, 22, died January 20, 2024 in Preston, Idaho from an automobile accident.

Ethan was born in Logan, UT, on Aug. 7, 2001 and excitedly welcomed into the arms of Brent and Stephanie Beutler, who had been waiting years for him. In turn, Ethan anxiously waited for five years for the arrival of his sister, Emma. He spent hours holding, feeding, talking and reading to her and was proud to be a big brother.

Ethan loved sports and grew up playing everything that involved a ball. He had a natural gift for all that he did and that showed whether he was on a court, a field, school, hunting, or anything he put his mind to. At 18 months old, he watched a basketball player on television shooting free throws. He quickly found a plastic lid that he laid on the ground for his free throw line and a basket to shoot into. That was the beginning of his basketball obsession. Any container, basket, box or arms became his hoop and endless hours were spent perfecting his shot. When Ethan was four years old, his family was driving around looking at the Christmas lights. One particular spot showed many lights and they said, “Look at all those lights!” Ethan’s reply was “Look at all those hoops!” Basketball wasn’t his only love. He grew up playing every little league sport available, always being coached by his dad. Years were dedicated to basketball, t-ball, baseball, soccer, and football. Once Ethan reached middle school and high school age, he focused on soccer, track and basketball, then became the kicker on the football team his senior year. He continued his love of basketball by helping coach middle school basketball for two years. He loved those boys and was good for them, and them for him. Through them he earned the nickname of “White Mamba”.  He learned to snowboard during eighth grade and it became a loved past time during the winter months. Ethan learned to play the guitar when he was 12 and could be found in his room strumming a song. His dad also took lessons and they could play fun songs together. He learned the thrill of motorcycle riding a few years ago and loved spending any free time riding.

He picked up a love of hunting from his cousins and uncles. For this, his dad will be forever grateful since hunting outings provided them a lifetime worth of memories.  He was skilled with a rifle, shotgun, and bow. He was successful hunting elk, deer, antelope, bear, turkey, pheasant, partridge, sage grouse, sharp tailed grouse, and an endless supply of ducks and geese. Many early mornings, long days, and late nights were spent with dad, cousins and uncles on hunting adventures.

Ethan had a stubborn streak and wouldn’t let anyone tell him that he couldn’t achieve something. That determination was also thrown into scouting. Beginning at age 11, over a three year period, he attended seven weeks of scout camps. He went with his own troop, friend’s or cousin’s troops and earned his Eagle Scout Award at age 14, having earned 46 merit badges rather than the minimum 21. For his Eagle Project, his troop built the concrete and steel swine loading ramp at the fairgrounds. This was also when he first learned to weld, a skill he further developed and enjoyed.

Friends were important to Ethan and he had many. He was happy hanging out with them through long days in gyms, days on the slopes, trips to Pocatello for wings and many nights sitting around fires in backyards. He was always willing to help, whether that was pulling out friends or strangers that were stuck at the marina or in snow, helping out with Student Council floats and activities, pulling pranks, or being a listening ear, he was there. Since his passing, we have realized how far reaching his impact has been.

Ethan attended all of his schooling in American Falls, except for the last half of his senior year, where he attended and graduated from West Side High School in Dayton, ID, in 2020.

Ethan is survived by his parents, Brent and Stephanie Beutler, younger sister, Emma, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by loving grandparents: Blair and Delora Henderson, Lloyd Beutler, a great-grandma, Donna Coburn, and Bryan Beutler (uncle).

A visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 Pocatello Avenue, in American Falls. An additional visitation will be from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 with the funeral following at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Falls View Cemetery.

To watch the service live, click the link below (the video will begin approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the service):  Zoom Link.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ethan David Beutler, please visit the Davis-Rose flower store.