Richard Utter (1923-2020)

UTTER, ESTLE, HESSELTINE, BEUTER, FINKE, LONG, RONESS, EBERLEIN, HAFNER, SMITH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/22/2020 at 08:04:42

Richard “Dick” Utter, 97, of Columbus Junction, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at his home. Due to Covid-19 a Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date. Richard will be buried at the Indian Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church or Gideons in memory of Richard. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com . The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Richard’s family and arrangements.

Richard A. Utter was born on May 20, 1923, in Louisa County, Iowa, the son of Ralph C. and Frances Clare (Estle) Utter. He graduated from Columbus Junction High School as valedictorian of his class. After graduation Richard attended Iowa State University for two years. Richard then enlisted in the United States Naval Air Corps, serving our country from 1942-1946. He is a veteran of WWII. On August 6, 1945, Richard was united in marriage to Phyllis Hesseltine at the Glenview Naval Air Station in Chicago, Illinois. Richard returned home in 1946 with his bride to farm on the family farm. As a young couple they loved to square dance. In 1963 Richard was approached by the Columbus Junction State Bank to join their team as the farm representative. Richard was a Loan officer in the bank from 1963-1993. In his spare time, Richard enjoyed jogging, playing golf, camping, riding bikes and bird watching. Richard loved to follow his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in their activities. Richard had a very deep faith and served on many church committees at the United Methodist Church of Columbus Junction. He was a member of the Gideons and the Men’s prayer group. Richard was a member of the American Legion Allen Wright Hanft Post #100 for 73 years, Couples Bridge Card Clubs for over 50+ years, Cattlemen Association, Columbus Junction Community Club, Farm Bureau, and Louisa County Fair Board. Richard’s favorite past time was spending time with his family.

Richard will be dearly missed by his wife of 75 years, Phyllis of Columbus Junction, his children Robert (Nance) Utter of Columbus Junction, Janine (Bill) Utter of Columbus Junction, Jim (Marquita) Utter of Des Moines, and Julie (Ted) Beuter of Center Point, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a son Thomas, a daughter in-law Janet Utter, granddaughter Carrie Len Finke, granddaughter Misty Long, great-great granddaughter Ava Roness, three sisters, Elizabeth Eberlein, Mary Hafner and Jean Smith.