Philip Edward Beutel

Philip Edward Beutel, 80, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away at home on Sunday, February 9,2025. He was born in Tremont, Illinois, on April 8, 1944, to the late William Henry and Rosina (Pflederer) Beutel.

The youngest of 10 siblings, Phil grew up on the family farm in rural Tremont. Shortly after marrying Darlene on August 28, 1994, he retired as a supervisor after 30 years at Caterpillar and moved to North Carolina. While building his third home and duck farm in New Bern, they delivered mail between post offices until the farm thrived raising ducks, goats, and training black labradors for field trials. He loved family, fishing, hunting, and carpentry, building many beautiful pieces in his woodshop. His passion for football and music were lifelong.

Phil began playing guitar and writing music in his childhood and sang in many bands throughout the 70-80s. As the seed of faith took root, he eventually wrote, recorded and released his CD "The Greatest Commandment" with family and friends in 2005. He continued to minister with his guitar and songs, visiting church members and others around the New Bern area. He was a deacon and choir member of the Unity Christian Church. The extended Beutel family in Illinois always enjoyed Uncle Phil's visit, for music was usually involved.

Thankful for his life and continuing his memory are his beloved wife of 30 years, Darlene Beutel, and his children Darla Oelschalger, Angela (Shawn) Casey of Quebec, Joe (Sherri) Beutel of Illinois and Maria (Brandon) Pipkin. Additionally, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sister Annette (Ernie-deceased) Schambach of Illinois, brother Fred (Jeannette) of Illinois, sister-in-law Carol Beutel and Eunice Beutel of Illinois, brother-in-law Ollen (Elaine) Caton, sister-in-law Penny Caton of Ohio, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings David, Mary Eisenmann, Alvin, Helen Zimmerman, Barbara Moser, Ruth Koch, and Nancy Koch; daughter Gina Karres; grandson Anthony Meador; and brother-in-law Earl Caton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Unity Christian Church (3380 St. Delights Church Rd, New Bern, NC) or your favorite charity in memory of Phil.

Visitation will be Monday February 24, 2025, from 1-2 pm at Cotten Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 2 pm in the chapel. He will be laid to rest following the service at Greenleaf Memorial Park Cemetery, 900 River Rd., New Bern, NC 28560.

A musical celebration of life in Illinois is being considered for a later date.

Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Phil Beutel.