Marion Louise Utesch

1930 - 2026

Marion Utesch, 95, of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Marion Louise Jeffers was born on November 23, 1930 to Lambert and Merna (Douglas) Jeffers in Ruble, rural Plymouth County, Iowa. Their family attended Plymouth Presbyterian Church and Marion attended the local country school in Ruble. Marion later attended Akron High School where she played basketball. She graduated from Akron High School in 1949.

Marion was united in marriage to James Arlo Utesch on October 18, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron.  They made their home on his parents’ farm south of Westfield. In 1974, they purchased their own farm in Preston Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa. They eventually moved into Akron. 

Marion was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Chatsworth until it’s closing, and then became a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. Marion was active in the women’s circle; she provided treats and made coffee for after church services and funerals for many years. She also served on the church council.

Marion worked right alongside Jim on the farm. She helped in the fields, working livestock, maintaining the bookwork, and driving the grain truck. She loved to garden and canned much of her produce; her dill pickles were her specialty. Later in life she worked in housekeeping at the Akron Care Center and she also worked for a short time at Casey’s making pizzas.

Marion’s favorite time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and loved hosting Sunday dinners for her family. Her potato salad was always a family favorite. She loved to deliver meals to the men during harvest.  Marion also enjoyed sewing, she could mend just about anything. 

Marion and Jim enjoyed playing cards and played in card clubs over the years. They also loved to go dancing. Marion loved her beloved dog, Dandy.

Marion is survived by her four children: Diana (James) Kenny of Akron, Linda (George) Talbott of Alcester, SD, Charles (Darla) Utesch of Akron, and Randall (Julie) Utesch of Akron, IA; 11 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren; brother, Roger (Beverly) Jeffers; siblings in law: Kathleen Utesch, Dave (Rita) Sundem, and Eileen Jeffers; a "special" nephew: Gary (Kirstie) Jeffers of Casper, WY; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents in law, Elmer and Loretta Utesch; husband, Jim; grandson, Matt Kenny; siblings: Douglas Jeffers Marcie Sundem. and Susie (Dennis) Lamoureux; siblings in law: Robert Utesch and Arlo Utesch.