Ronald George Schuttler died on January 11, 2020 at his home in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Ron was born to Fred and Edna Schuttler in Farmer, South Dakota on March 12, 1936. He spent his early youth hunting, fishing, waiting for his older brother, Lin, to return from World War II, and chasing his beloved dog, Pike. In 1948, the family moved to Spearfish, where they built a house and established a vegetable stand at the end of Lower Valley Road, known for "the sweetest corn in the valley." After graduating from Spearfish High School in 1954, Ron joined the Navy, serving for 22 years, as an electrician, later being certified to work on nuclear reactors in one of the first classes selected to train at the Navy's Nuclear Power School in Idaho. He rose to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank attainable for enlisted personnel.

Ron met Eileen Taney in 1962 while training in Idaho and they soon married. They raised three boys, first in California, and, then, in Spearfish after Ron's retirement in 1976. He worked at the Homestake sawmill and Junek's Automotive until a heart attack in 1980 changed the course of his life. He went back to school, obtaining degrees in history and art from Black Hills State. Ron went to work for the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an executive responsible for the Northern Hills District and as the Camp Director at the Medicine Mountain Scout Camp for many years. His work for the Scouts exemplified his life-long commitment to community. Just a few of the groups for which Ron volunteered were the North Vallejo (CA) Little League, Spearfish Soccer Association, Black Hills State University Alumni Association, Knights of Columbus, VFW Honor guard, and the American Legion, for which he served as adjutant for over 30 years. Just two days before his death, he served as a judge for science-related presentations made by high school seniors.

After his retirement, Ron and Eileen travelled and Ron had more time to devote to his true passion: model railroading. He was a charter member of the Northern Hills Model Railroading Club, helping to build an impressive layout, which remains open to the public in the basement of the former Wild Bill's Casino in Deadwood. Some of Ron and Eileen's trips involved visits to conventions of other railroad enthusiasts.

Ron is survived by his sons: John (Mary), Bill (Dina), and David; and his grandchildren: Aidan, Cara, and Tanian. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Eileen; his brother, Lin; and his parents.

A vigil service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish and funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, January 21 at St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit the Schuttler Family Scholarship at Black Hills State University and the Spearfish Boy Scout Troop #17.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com