Gerald Vetter, 81, died on Wednesday (Nov. 23, 2016) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.Gerald was born on Dec. 31, 1934, to Edmond and Helen (Endres) Vetter in Newton. He married Billie Mae Hinton, on Aug. 28, 1954. She survives.Gerald graduated from Newton High School in 1952. He was a lifelong Newton resident and retired from USD 373. He was a carpenter, handyman and a lifelong farmer. He served in the Army/National Guard and was a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton. He also served as the District Deputy of the Third Degree for the Knights of Columbus and he was an avid University of Kansas (KU) basketball fan.He is survived by his wife Billie Mae Vetter; children, Gerald R. Vetter and wife Deanna, Mark Vetter and wife Ann, and Kimberly Fiessinger and husband, Mark; sister, Pat Randall; eleven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Helen Vetter; and two brothers, Maurice and Jim Vetter.A visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2016), with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2016) at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A committal service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery immediately following the Mass.Gerald will be remembered for his fun-loving ways, strong work habits and his love for his family.A memorial has been established for Caring Hands Humane Society of Newton and Meals on Wheels. Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.