Robert Gene Utesch

HAWARDEN, IOWA ~ Robert Gene Utesch, 95, of Hawarden, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at his son’s home in Le Mars, Iowa under hospice care.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden with Father Mauro Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Two Oaks Post 254 of Hawarden and Albert E. Hoschler Post 186 of Akron and the Iowa Army Honor Guard. Visitation with the family will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, with a time of sharing at 6:45 p.m. followed by scriptures and prayers with Deacon Richard Port.

   The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family prefers donations to the Midwest Honor Flight, at midwesthonorflight.org. in memory of Robert.

   Robert Gene Utesch was born in rural Plymouth County, Iowa, on August 19, 1928, the son of Elmer and Loretta (Smythe) Utesch. He attended rural schools and served in the United States Army for almost 2 years before transferring to the Army Reserves until April of 1957. He was proud to be a Korean War Veteran.

   Robert married Kathleen Mary Kontz on April 27, 1953, at Ramona, South Dakota. They farmed and raised their family near Akron, Iowa and retired to Hawarden in 2000. Robert was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, dancing, and fishing. Robert loved playing cards, vacations with good friends, and family visits. He loved the Lord, his family, and getting together with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

   Robert is survived by his wife, Kathleen. 3 children, Peggy Utesch and Chris Stone of Georgetown, California, Brenda (Rick) Lawrence of Alcester, South Dakota, and Steve and Melissa Utesch of Le Mars, Iowa; 6 grandchildren; Carol (Dustin) Boatman of Sioux City, Iowa, Nick Utesch (Sean Cotter) of New York City, New York, Bryan (Colleen) Utesch of Chicago, Illinois, Tanya (Dan) Rees of Monument, Colorado, Sarah (Brent) Bird of Omaha, Nebraska, and Tanner (Alissa) Utesch of Worthington, Minnesota; 11 great-grandchildren, Addison and Bryton Boatman, Josie and Brecken Utesch, Emma and Evan Rees, Oliver and August Bird, and Xavier, Fulton, and Isabelle Utesch; sister-in-law, Marion Utesch; and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Loretta Utesch; and brothers, Marlo and Jim Utesch.

   Robert’s family will always remember his kind words of “Love Yous!”