Art Roetzel was born on September 18, 1931, to Frank Roetzel and Helen (Doll) Roetzel in the Limestone area of the Black Hills on a homestead know as Bear Springs. He died at his home at the Roetzel Ranch just a few miles from his birthplace. He was the baby brother to two older sisters and three brothers, Bertha, Lucille, Carl, Frank and Fred. When just an infant he and his family moved to Roetzel Ranch, a homestead filed by his Grandfather, Ferdinand Roetzel. He spent his entire life there, except for four years serving his country in the Air Force during the Korean Campaign, and several years following his discharge in California where he applied his Air force training working in Civil Service at an air base there. He attended country school and Custer High School from which he graduated in 1949. He died at his home at the Roetzel Ranch on November 18, 2014.

He married Joyce Anstett in 1951 and two children, Linda Paulette and Larry Arthur were born to them. Due to his father's failing health, he and his family returned to the ranch in Custer where he supported his family by ranching, cutting logs and pitch posts. He never missed a basketball game when Larry was playing, either at home or away, and often provided transportation for other parents and friends. Reconnecting with an old friend at the time of his daughter's death, a stronger friendship blossomed and he married Joann Smith in June of 1981, and became step-father to her three children and their families. He now has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren and expecting a third. He was an avid hunter, an excellent marksman, and kept the family in food every season. He loved being in the forest, either working, riding horses, tending cattle or hunting. While a young man he helped his family operate a hunting camp, guiding and outfitting many hunters in the area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, three brothers and his daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Joann, son Larry (Robin); step-daughter, Judy (Jim) Durfey, step-son, Keith Smith, step-son Dale (Jan) Smith; step grand-daughter, Audra (Ryan) Weber and great grand-children; Keira and Rhett Weber; step grand-daughter, Adele Durfey, and Alys (Jimmy) Seidman, step grandson, Shane (Miranda) Smith; Step grand-daughter Sammantha (Jordan) Hopper; grand-daughters, Hannah Rotzel and Brandi Roetzel, also survived by his sister Lucille (Bill) Hiller; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his Lord and he loved his church. He was baptized in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and also confirmed there and was a lifetime member of the congregation, serving as an Elder for 40 years both here and in California, where he was a charter member and founder of that church.

Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 p.m., Monday, November 24, 2014, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Wagner officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Custer Honor Guards immediatly following the funeral service.