Roger Earl Beutner

Roger Earl Beutner of Jupiter, Florida, passed away on May 3, 2019. He was born in Essen, Germany on June 15, 1930, the only child of Emil and Melitta Beutner. He grew up in New York City and never completely lost its ways. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School instilling a lifelong interest in learning. He ventured across the river to Hoboken, NJ to attend Steven Institute of Technology, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1952. A lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from New York University in 1961, a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, in 1965; he continued to take college classes in retirement.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1956, achieving the rank of Captain. He married Marcia Susan Gailband on August 11, 1957. A manufacturing engineer and executive, he lived in New Jersey, Atlanta and St. Louis before finding his home as a Midwesterner in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1972. He spent over 25 with Amway Corporation as Senior Vice President of Operations.

Roger was a leader in his community, from being a long time board member at Temple Emanuel and serving as its President to being president of the Waterside Community in Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter. In between, he touched many lives and collected friends through his service to professional associations and education institutions. He and Marcia made lifelong friends through the Chemical Special Manufacturers Association, where he served as Chairman of the Board. He continued to support education and his community as a member of the Engineering Board of Visitors at both Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University.

Roger and Marcia enjoyed extensive travel, bringing their children throughout the United States as they were growing up and for many years found the time to understand other cultures through their travels to the Soviet Union, China and the Far East among others. Roger was most proud in his later years to bring his children and grandchildren on a visit to Germany to show them where he was born.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marcia; daughter, Sheryl; and sons Austin (Virginia) and Brian (Diana). He and Marcia are proud of their seven grandchildren: Jason, Michael, Will, Sam, Max, Emily and Avery.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanuel (1715 Fulton Street) at 3 o'clock Sunday, May 5th. 

Should you wish to honor his memory, please consider contributions to Temple Emanuel or The Grand Rapids Symphony.  No flowers please.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Earl Beutner, please visit our floral store.