Richard Cartwright Utter Sr.

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University of Minnesota

Richard Utter Obituary

Richard Cartwright Utter Sr of Golden Valley, MN and Scottsdale, AZ went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2004. Richard had been undergoing treatment for Parkinson's disease at the Mayo Clinic and was a brave pioneer in the new treatments of this disease. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Utter, his parents, Clay and Mabel Utter, brother, Clay Utter, sister, Joyce Hapsch, and grandson, Kyle Utter. He is survived by his 5 children and their spouses, Kent and Ethel Utter, Rick and Val Utter (of AZ), Kimberly and Robert Mackenzie, Karen Utter and Steve Woletz, and Kathy Utter and Peter Anderson. (of MN). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Ryan, Maureen, Charlie, Bradley, Emily, Keith, Sarah, Lewis, Rachel, Dillon, Clay, Ruby, and Joanna. Richard was a Navy Pilot and served honorably in the Pacific VPB 124 Squadron during WWII. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and William Mitchell College of Law. For 39 years, he worked at Northrup King, & Co. where he began in the Personnel Department and advanced to company attorney and later Vice President and Director. Richard loved to golf and play cards, especially bridge, and was a member of the Minneapolis Golf Club and Arizona Country Club. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, honest character, and love for family. By his request, there will be no funeral service, however there will be a memorial celebration at his daughter, Kimberly's, home in Brooklyn Park, MN on December 20, 2004. (763-425-0771) Memorials can be made to the Minnesota Medical Foundation; Dept of Neurology Parkinson's research 200 Oak Street S E #300 Minneapolis, MN 55455

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Utter

11 Entries

Kathleen A. O'Hagan

November 22, 2017

Remembering a good friend of my father's from old Minneapolis, home of the Grain Exchange and Northrup King, who gave me a lovely gift for the kitchen when I was married. Wishing the Utter family a Happy Thanksgiving in 2017.

Rosemary and Jim Tuite

December 22, 2004

Jim and I would liked to thank you for the Open House for Richard at your home. We appreciate Richard's desire to not have any formal service, but it was nice to see his children and grandchildren and to share a few moments about him. He will be missed and we were fortunate to have him for a friend...Rosemary and Jim

James & Elaine Watt

December 19, 2004

Elaine and I feel Dick was a very special friend and he will be greatly missed.

He was my favorite bridge partner, as he rarely scolded me.

Richard Utter, Jr

December 16, 2004

A Big Thank-You to all of the WWII Veterans (as well as previous and subsequent veterans) for their brave service to our country--God Bless You! My father always felt fortunate to have served with his Navy buddies. Thanks for the kind words.

Ruby Lynne Utter Woletz

December 16, 2004

I remember singing the ABC song with Grandpa. He would stop part way through and say "banana" and we would laugh and laugh.

Ruby, age 3 1/2

Karen Utter

December 16, 2004

Here is a poem Dad left in his will:

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me - but let me go.

This is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me - but let me go.

Thanks for all your kind words.

lawrence mullen

December 15, 2004

I was a member of crew 2 along with dick utter we were friends and also met him at several reunions last one being at sunnyvale california didnt make this one looked for hi,M LAST YEAR AT MICHIGAN,BEST WISHES LARRY MULLEN

Bill Alexander

December 15, 2004

Thank you so much for having this Guest Book facility. I have been to several reunions of Richard's squadron but was not in VPB-124. I did feel close as I served in the Original squadron (VB-138) in the Solomon Islands. My wife , Mary and I would like to express our sympathy to all the family at this time of your bereavement. Our prayers are with you.

Cindy Dew

December 15, 2004

I will pass this information on to my step father, William A. Yeaw.

Diane Melloy

December 15, 2004

I had the honor and great pleasure of meeting Dick Utter at the annual US Navy WWII VB 138 - VPB 124 Air Squadrons Reunion in the Twin Cities last September. My sister, Kathleen Johnson, and I assisted our father and VPB 124 member, Wes Johnson, with hosting the event.

This year's reunion was the first that Dick attended, and he was delighted to see his Squadron buddies after 60 years! It was evident from the animated reminiscing and all around good will what a popular fellow he was, both then and now, and I am happy that Dick took the opportunity to attend.

I will remember Dick as a rare type of classy gentleman who had a wry and witty sense of humor, and I truly enjoyed our chats about the law and mutual acquaintances in the legal world.

My deepest condolences to Dick's family - I know he will be sorely missed.