Donald Utley

Donald Ray Utley was born on December 28, 1935 in Eldorado, Illinois to Noel and Ruth (Hudgins) Utley. He attended school in Eldorado, Illinois through the tenth grade. Don moved with his brother to Phoenix, AZ where he worked as a salesman for Kirby Vacuum Company. Don was united in marriage to Myrtle Linda Nack on November 23, 1958 in Phoenix. In 1966, the couple moved to West Chicago, IL where Don worked as a carpenter with his father and brother. Due to health concerns in 1977 he started woodworking and making crafts and clocks. Don and Linda moved to Garfield in 1989 for their retirement where Don continued woodworking and enjoyed spending the winters in Zephyrhills, FL. Don also enjoyed fishing, playing dice and cards, especially hand and foot. Don died on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Peacefully Bliss Assisted Living in Alexandria at the age of 73. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda of Garfield; brother, Bob (Ann) Utley of Eldorado, IL; sister, Denise Higgins of West Chicago, IL and nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Ruth; and niece, Kim Utley. A funeral service was held on Monday, September 14, 2009 at St. John?s Lutheran Church in Garfield with Reverend Shawn Ethridge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Irma Brockberg and soloist, Everald Timm. Interment was in the St. John?s Lutheran Cemetery in Garfield. Casket bearers were Roger Klug, Howard Gease, Keith Nack, Mark Nack, Mitchell Diedrich, and Kevin Klug. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.