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I remember Willard from Sunday School at ST.John's in LeMars! He was quiet , but liked by everyone. Every year his mother would invite all the teachers out to the farm for a special appreciation dinner. I was scared to death---only a high schooler myself, amidst all those people I hardly knew!!!!! It turned out to be a wonderful time of getting aquainted!! The whole family were warm and friendly folk. It has been such a long time ago, now adays I remember names,but not faces. I...

Allice Lee nee Wiegers

August 29, 2025 | Richland Hills Texas, TX | Teacher

Barb, Linda and Wayne - Such sad news to hear. I will always remember running around at your house and playing games. So sorry for your loss.

Joe & Diane Ashmore

August 05, 2025 | Le Mars, IA | Friend

Barb Linda and Wayne I’m so sorry to hear about Willard. We had such great memories of our families hanging out together and doing fun family events. He will be missed sending you all big hugs and condolences.

Annette Ahrendsen-Belding

July 30, 2025 | Minneapolis, MN | Friend

sorry to hear about your loss

LOREN PAGELER

July 12, 2025 | LEMARS, IA | Friend

Barb and Family,
May God wrap his loving arms around you. We were saddened to read this. He will be missed.

Keith and Linda Julch

July 10, 2025 | Ocala, FL | Friend

Willard's Obituary

Willard Ronald Utech, 88 of Spirit Lake, IA and formerly of Le Mars, IA, passed away on June 13, 2025 at Edinburg Regional Medical Center in Edinburg, TX, surrounded by his loving wife.

Visitation with family present will be from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., with a Time of Remembrance at 2:00 p.m., all on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Association.

Willard was born on March 28, 1937 to George and Jennifer (Attleson) Utech in Plymouth County, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1955. He was a member of the Air National Guard for six years.

Willard married Barbara Oltmanns on August 28, 1960. They farmed north of Le Mars and retired from farming in 1987. They then both became realtors and did rental management. In their later years, they moved to the Iowa Great Lakes and enjoyed the winters in Trophy Gardens in Texas.

Willard is remembered by his wife, Barbara of Spirit Lake, IA; children: Linda (Alan) Drey of Sioux City, IA, and Wayne Utech of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Amanda (Edward) Dunkel and Tyler Drey; several nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

Willard is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Shirley Berg and Carolyn Meyer; brother, George A. Utech; granddaughter, Kayla Drey; and parents in law: Fred and Rose Oltmanns.

Willard Ronald Utech

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Willard's Obituary