In Memory Of
Donald E. Utecht
1930
2016
Donald E. Utecht
February 8, 1930 — January 13, 2016
Donald E. Utecht, age 85, of Green Bay, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Don was born, February 8, 1930 in the town of Stettin, WI to the late Norman and Esther (Zahn) Utecht.
As a child, he lived and worked on the farm and went to a one- room school in the town of Stettin. He finished his education at Wausau Vocational School in Agriculture.
When Don was younger, whatever time he had, he played baseball. His dream was to become a professional baseball player. In the spring of 1949 he traveled to Winter Garden, Florida to work out with the old Washington Senators. But a baseball injury closed the door on that dream. He returned home and worked on the farm.
He met Elaine Heidemann, and the two were united in marriage in September 1951. Together, they farmed for 2 years. In 1953, he started his career with International Harvester Company at a company store in Wausau, WI. With many years of promotions and traveling he wanted to be in one place and have a home, so they moved to Kiel, WI. In Kiel, Don worked at Siefert Mfg. Co for 21 years. He was assistant to the President of the company, and was very much involved in local politics.
Don was a member of the Kiwanis for 16 years, and had perfect attendance. He served as Treasurer for a number of years. Don also served on the City Planning board, and Kiel Chamber of Commerce.
In 1989, Don and Elaine moved to Oconto, WI. In Oconto, Don worked at Neroco Mfg. & Eng. Co as plant supervisor. He served on the City Counsel for several years, and also on the Industrial Board. In 1996 he was elected mayor. Don was also very active in the Lion's Club, and served on the Oconto Hospital Board.
Don was devoted member of First United Method Church. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time with family, playing cards, listening to polka music and driving his tractor at his cabin in Amberg, WI. He will be deeply missed.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Elaine Utecht; two sons, Allan (Patricia) Utecht of Kiel and Bill (Terry) Utecht of Green Bay and son-in-law, Tom (Karen) Kolb. He is further survived by his 6 grandchildren: Katie (Paul) Thibeault, Kristin (Patrick) Humpal, Corrie (Kedrick) Strutz, Megan (David) Clark, Matt and Brittany Utecht; 4 great-grandchildren: Maddie, Emma, Ava and Sydney; brother-in law, Lilas Brandt and sister-in-law, Carol (Roland) Hettinga.
Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Kolb; granddaughter, Ashley Utecht; brother, Harold (June) Utecht; sister, Eileen Brandt and brothers-in-law, Willis (Betty) Heidemann and Dave (Jean) Heidemann.
Friends and relatives may call at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay) on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 2 to 4 PM. Visitation will continue at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (501 Howe St., Green Bay), Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 1 PM to 2PM. A funeral service will follow at 2 PM.
Don's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Vincent Dialysis Center.
"To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below."
As a child, he lived and worked on the farm and went to a one- room school in the town of Stettin. He finished his education at Wausau Vocational School in Agriculture.
When Don was younger, whatever time he had, he played baseball. His dream was to become a professional baseball player. In the spring of 1949 he traveled to Winter Garden, Florida to work out with the old Washington Senators. But a baseball injury closed the door on that dream. He returned home and worked on the farm.
He met Elaine Heidemann, and the two were united in marriage in September 1951. Together, they farmed for 2 years. In 1953, he started his career with International Harvester Company at a company store in Wausau, WI. With many years of promotions and traveling he wanted to be in one place and have a home, so they moved to Kiel, WI. In Kiel, Don worked at Siefert Mfg. Co for 21 years. He was assistant to the President of the company, and was very much involved in local politics.
Don was a member of the Kiwanis for 16 years, and had perfect attendance. He served as Treasurer for a number of years. Don also served on the City Planning board, and Kiel Chamber of Commerce.
In 1989, Don and Elaine moved to Oconto, WI. In Oconto, Don worked at Neroco Mfg. & Eng. Co as plant supervisor. He served on the City Counsel for several years, and also on the Industrial Board. In 1996 he was elected mayor. Don was also very active in the Lion's Club, and served on the Oconto Hospital Board.
Don was devoted member of First United Method Church. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time with family, playing cards, listening to polka music and driving his tractor at his cabin in Amberg, WI. He will be deeply missed.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Elaine Utecht; two sons, Allan (Patricia) Utecht of Kiel and Bill (Terry) Utecht of Green Bay and son-in-law, Tom (Karen) Kolb. He is further survived by his 6 grandchildren: Katie (Paul) Thibeault, Kristin (Patrick) Humpal, Corrie (Kedrick) Strutz, Megan (David) Clark, Matt and Brittany Utecht; 4 great-grandchildren: Maddie, Emma, Ava and Sydney; brother-in law, Lilas Brandt and sister-in-law, Carol (Roland) Hettinga.
Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Kolb; granddaughter, Ashley Utecht; brother, Harold (June) Utecht; sister, Eileen Brandt and brothers-in-law, Willis (Betty) Heidemann and Dave (Jean) Heidemann.
Friends and relatives may call at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay) on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 2 to 4 PM. Visitation will continue at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (501 Howe St., Green Bay), Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 1 PM to 2PM. A funeral service will follow at 2 PM.
Don's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Vincent Dialysis Center.
"To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below."
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald E. Utecht, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, January 16, 2016
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
First United Methodist Church
Guestbook
Visits: 2
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