Richard and Phyllis Utter

Richard “Dick” Utter, 97, of Columbus Junction, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at his home.

     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. . Richard 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.

Phyllis E. Utter, 94, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, passed away at Colonial Manors of Columbus Community on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021.

     Phyllis E. Utter was born April 23, 1926, in Louisa County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Robert and Callie (Boyd) Hesseltine. She was a graduate of Columbus Junction High School, where she met her soulmate. Phyllis married Richard A. Utter Aug. 6, 1945, at Glenview Naval Air Station in Chicago, Ill. Post WWII, Richard and Phyllis returned to the Utter family farm and began raising their family. Phyllis was the ultimate "domestic engineer," wearing many hats: creator of thousands of delicious healthy meals and superb desserts and a bread baker, problem solver, fashion designer, seamstress extraordinaire, healer, inventor, recycler, wicked "Quiddler" player, and family historian and counselor.

Early in their married life they loved to square dancing and playing bridge in multiple clubs. As a couple they spent many hours’ playing cards, golfing, riding their bikes, bird watching and camping. Phyllis spent countless hours putting together jigsaw puzzles and playing cards and board games with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She was an avid reader and shared many a book series with her grandchildren. One of her lifelong passions was following the many activities of her children and grandchildren. Richard and Phyllis loved all the family gatherings,

     Phyllis was an inquiring and lifelong learner. She kept current on local and world news and supported her personal beliefs.

     Phyllis had a deep and abiding love of Jesus. As a longtime member of the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school for 50 years, was in many Bible study groups, and was a strong prayer warrior. She was an active member in Gideons with Richard.

     Phyllis and Richard  will be dearly missed by their  children, Robert (Nance) Utter of Columbus Junction, Janine Utter (Bill Dull) of Columbus Junction, Jim (Marquita) Utter of Des Moines, and Julie (Ted) Beuter of Center Point;  grandchildren;  great-grandchildren;  great-great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews.

     Phyllis and Richard were preceded in death by their parents; a son, Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Janet Utter; granddaughters, Carrie Finke and Misty Long; great-granddaughter, Ava Roness; a brother, Bob Hesseltine and three sisters, Elizabeth Eberlein, Mary Hafner and Jean Smith.

     Richard and Phyllis are buried next to each other at Indian Creek Cemetery.

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