UTECHT, Melvin Herman

Melvin Utecht, 88, of Wayne, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne. Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne with family present. Melvin Herman Utecht was born Aug. 22, 1924, to Emil and Bertha (Kohlmeier) Utecht in Wakefield. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith at his home in Wakefield. He lived in Wakefield until he was five years old then moved with his parents to a farm southeast of Wayne. Melvin graduated from Wayne High School and attended Wayne State College, then farmed until his retirement in 1981. Melvin married Delores Brockman on June 20, 1954, in Nampa, Idaho. After retirement, Melvin was employed by Vakoc Lumber Company, City of Wayne, Wayne Vet Clinic, and as manager of Super Wash. Melvin was a long time, active member of Grace Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school, served on the board of Elders, finance committee, stewardship committee, and was a member of the Duo Club. Melvin was President of Wayne Farm Bureau. He was active in Rotary Club, Lions Club, served two terms on the Wayne City Council, and was a 4-H Leader. Survivors include his wife, Delores; their children, Ron (Jane) Utecht of Volga, S.D., Sandy Morari of Phoenix, Ariz. and Jennifer Utecht of Omaha; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin and Delores’ grandchildren, Kimberly Utecht, Luke Morari, Amanda Morari, James Utecht and Gary Utecht. Active pallbearers will be James Utecht, Gary Utecht, Mark Cunningham, Rod Koch, Dan Hansen and Ray Schutte. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne. Hasemann Funeral Home in Wayne is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church and St. Jude Children Research Hospital.