Harold Utecht

Harold Norman Utecht, 82, of 811 120 ^th Avenue , Marathon , Wisconsin , died peacefully on December 16, 2008 , while surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born November 28, 1926 in the town of Maine to the late Norman and Verna (Zahn) Utecht. He married June Lutzke on October 16, 1948 at St. Paul ’s United Church of Christ, Wausau and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Harold worked at Stieber Dairy in Wausau for nine years in the 1940s. He purchased his father's dairy farm in 1954 which he worked with June, his six children and several grand children, until his passing. Harold had a lifelong passion for promoting agriculture in Marathon County which included his involvement with the Wisconsin Valley Fair, Farm Progress Days, past board member of the American Milk Producers Incorporated and past board president of the Athens Co‑op. Harold was also a member of the Pommerscher Verein German Club, and a pollworker in the Town of Stettin for many years. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church , town of Stettin where he provided a favorite service of ringing the church bells for services for over forty years.

June and Harold loved the Polka Music, danced beautifully together, and would dance the night away on many occasions over the years.

Survivors include June, his loving wife of 60 years, and three sons, Gary (Sandy) Utecht, David (Laurie) Utecht, John (Patty) Utecht, all of Marathon, two daughters, Linda Weltzin (David Keeffe) of Wausau, Lisa (Tracy) Brown of Tomahawk. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Nicole (Brian) Dulak of Mosinee, Melissa (Lowell) Heise of Marathon, Brad (Jessi) Utecht of Marathon, Angela Connolly of Largo, Florida, Justin Weltzin of Sarasota, Florida, Ryan Utecht of Appleton, and Nathan Utecht of Marathon, his brother, Donald (Elaine) Utecht of Green Bay, and his sister Eileen (Lilas) Brandt of Wausau. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, a son, Brian Utecht, and a grandson, Thomas Utecht.

Very special in Harold's world were his four great grandchildren, Alexis and Brenna Dulak, Mason Heise, and Livia Connolly.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. , Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church , town of Stettin . Reverend Clarence Gall and Reverend Susan Kolb will officiate. Burial will be in Stettin Christian Cemetery . Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

The entire family would like to thank Lori Schutte of Aspirus-Marathon Clinic, the staff at Marywood, Dr. Burt, and the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their compassion and care.

We love you and will miss you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Papa.