Earl was born December 22, 1943 to Otto V. and Violet (Buechler) Mettler in Mobridge, S.D. He grew up on the family farm near Mahto. And attended school at McLaughlin. When he was eighteen, he went to California for a short period of time to work but soon returned back to the family farm.

He married Della Schweitzer on December 14, 1968 in McLaughlin. To this union, two sons were born Chad in 1969 and Derek in 1972.

The family made their home in McLaughlin where Earl found work with Curns and Sons Construction and later for Scherle Construction.

Earl and Della were divorced in 1974.While employed by the WEB Water Line in the 1980’s Earl was injured on the job and was unable to return to full time construction work due to having back surgery. He continued to re-side in McLaughlin where he did odd jobs around town and helped out his friends and neighbors when asked.

Earls passion was hunting and fishing, playing cards and fiddling in his gar-age on projects. He looked forward to opening day of every single hunting season whether it was dove, grouse, pheasant or deer. He had an abundance of fishing and hunting buddies throughout his life and he enjoyed passing that passion onto to his sons and his grandchildren. He would call and get a hunting or fishing report through the various seasons. Earl was very proud of all of his grandchildren and attended several volleyball, basketball and foot-ball games to watch them play.

Earl had a heart attack opening day of dove season in 2011 and had triple bypass surgery but it didn’t slow him down for too long. Soon he was back to fishing and hunting. In late 2018 Earl was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved to Timber Lake with Chad. After a few months in Timber Lake it was determined he needed round the clock assistance and he was moved to the Faulkton Nursing Home. Appropriately Earl passed away on Opening Day of West River Deer Season as a result of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Earl is survived by his two sons; Chad (Tommie) of Timber Lake, S.D. , Derek of Mahto, S.D. and 6 grandchildren; Meagan (Alex) Mettler of Tim-ber Lake, SD, Kristie (Dustin) Lanke of Broadus, MT, Sydnee Mettler of Spearfish, S.D., Cole Mettler of Mahto, S.D., Cami and Carsyn Mettler of Black Hawk, S.D. A sister June (Jay) Anderburg of Wessington, SD and a brother Lyle Mettler of McLaughlin, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Otto Jr. and one sister Joann Kellogg.

December 22, 1943 November 14, 2020

Earl Mettler

A HUNTER’S PRAYER We pray our sights be straight &

our aim be true

We pray for no pain for

the game we pursue

We thank you, Lord for this land.

We thank you for

the sights from our stands

We pray for safety one and all

We pray we may return next fall

Amen

IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Earl Mettler 76 Years ~ 10 Months ~ 23 Days

BORN: PASSED AWAY:

December 22, 1943 November 14, 2020 Mobridge, South Dakota Faulkton, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE:

11:00 AM, Monday, November 23, 2020 Kesling Funeral Home

Mobridge, South Dakota

CLERGY: Rev. Dennis Fonkert

SPECIAL RECORDINGS:

“On Eagle’s Wings” “How Great Thou Art”

CASKETBEARERS:

Robert Kramer ~ Mark Knudson ~ Cole Mettler Paul Lofgren ~ Jon Olson ~ Kent Schneider

HONORARY BEARERS:

Earl’s Grandchildren: Meagan Mettler ~ Kristie Lanke ~ Sydnee Mettler

Cami Mettler ~ Carsyn Mettler

After the Funeral services everyone is invited to share in a time of fellowship at the Family Worship Center, 1708 W Grand

Crossing, Mobridge SD.

Arrangements Entrusted to Kesling Funeral Home.