Emil Roger Tutsch

Emil Tutsch

Emil R Tutsch, 65, was called to be with his Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Emil was born on August 8, 1954, in Great Falls, MT and grew up the son of Emil R Tutsch and Vera Fern (Audiss) Tutsch. He graduated from Hot Springs High School Class of 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Dawn “Misty” Graf in 1976. Together they had one amazing daughter, Rachel K Tutsch in 1979.

Emil worked various jobs over the years throughout the southern Black Hills, including management at Nash Finch Company, owning two auto body shops, beekeeping, and operating heavy equipment for Custer County Highway Department. He loved the community he lived in and enjoyed his time as an Assistant Fire Chief for the Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as mayor of Buffalo Gap for many years. During that time, he helped implement a new water system for the town.

As many of you know, Emil loved to talk. He was witty, sarcastic, opinionated, and could be headstrong at times, however he truly had a heart of gold. He would give the shirt off his back just as quickly as he would give his opinion without flinching or an apology, and he never dismissed you for having views that differed from his own. He was always available to listen and to offer his advice. He liked researching political issues and bringing awareness to others.

Emil enjoyed gardening, witching water wells for friends and neighbors, cooking, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, branding cattle with relatives and friends, horse back riding, and motorcycle rides throughout the Black Hills. He always enjoyed living his life to the fullest. He had a love of music and thoroughly enjoyed singing…even though he could not carry a tune. Emil always assisted family and friends when asked or needed and his group of friends grew exponentially over the years as he would also stop and help strangers in need. He took great pleasure in restoring classic cars, primarily his favorite being the 1969 Chevelle Super Sport.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emil Robert; mother, Vera; sister, Vicki Lee (Tutsch) Waldrep; Father in law, Donald L. Graf; Mother in law, Betty Jo (Hadden) Graf Hall.

Emil is survived by the love of his life, Misty, and daughter, Rachel. His half sister, Sonya Akers. His father in law: Forrest Hall. His brothers in law: Jeff (Patty) Graf, Kirk Graf, and Jimmy Waldrep. Sisters in law: Darcy (Mike) Closner, Kimberly (Bryan) Hansen, Step brothers in law: Randy (Sherry) Hall, Frosty Hall, Carl Hall. 12 nieces and nephews, and 4 great nieces and nephews.

He was cremated and his ashes will be spread in South Dakota at a later date.

Please continue to honor him by loving graciously, living earnestly and forgiving easily.