Raymond Eugene Yeutter

After a long ride enjoying the South Dakota scenery during Sturgis, Raymond Eugene Yeutter, age 78, of Elwood, Nebraska died peacefully on Monday, August 4th, 2025. He was born on August 1st, 1947 in North Platte, Nebraska to Arvelis Burns Smith and Arlene Gayle Fisher. He was later adopted by Wayne Yeutter when his mother remarried.

Ray attended Cozad Schools graduating with the class of 1965. After graduation, he made the decision to join the United States Navy which gave him a tour of duty in Vietnam. On two different incidents, he was injured while setting as a forward gunner on a River Patrol Boat.

His actions awarded him not only 2 Purple Hearts but additionally the National Defense Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Service Medal. Ray had been in the Navy almost 3 years. He had enlisted on a "kiddie cruise" which was a nickname for a former US Navy program that allowed 17 years olds to enlist with parental permission, serve a 3-year term and get discharged upon turning 21. After ending his military life in Vietnam, he returned to the Cozad area where he then enrolled in Milford Technical School graduating on July 9th, 1970 with a degree in Auto Body Repairs.

August 16th, 1969 marked a new chapter in Ray's life when he married Pamela Hulinsky, which led to the birth of 3 sons, Troy, Todd & Jason. Their children provided them with many adventures, school activities and finally bringing into their lives the addition of 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He began a career in the trucking industry which led to many trips across the United States.

From hauling cattle, grain and other products, he logged many miles. His love of horses led Ray to become a member of the Dawson County Plum Creekers which he served as a Color Captain of the Buckskin group. He loved working with his hands which later in life would be a hobby that showed in the many lanterns he collected. Many times, you would find him tinkering in his garage working on one project or another. Just working on them but really not always finishing up.

Ray always enjoyed spending time with his family & friends. But his love of Sturgis was his drive. When they returned from one trip, he always was planning the next.

Ray is survived by sons, Troy (Melanie) of Elwood and Todd (Lacey) of Franklin, NE and Jason (Genelle) of Indian Harbor Beach, Florida; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. Brother, Ed Yeutter, sisters Penny (Marty) Egbarts & Janet (Kevin) Smith-Peterson.

Waiting for Ray at Heaven's gate were his parents Arvelis and Arlene, stepfather, Wayne. Siblings, Gary, Nancy & 2 infant sisters.

Ray's free spirit will be so missed by many relatives and friends that he met along the way.

It is the family's hope that Ray will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and that large grin that he shared with the world. Memorials are suggested to family for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at Elwood Funeral Home.