John Gregory Utter

John Gregory Utter, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, peacefully passed on Thursday, December 4, 2025, after stoically battling a short illness. Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
"A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for John Gregory Utter, under the video tab starting at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 12, 2025."
John was born on October 15, 1960, in Duluth, MN where his father was a practicing physician. This is where, from a young age, he found his love for the outdoors. While working at Hy-Vee throughout his high school years, John found his independence. He loved to ride bikes, drive big trucks, and train his labrador retrievers. Fishing, hunting, and enjoying all that the outdoors had to offer were things about which John was passionate. He deeply valued spending his free time doing these things with his friends.
John excelled academically, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa. He often shared fond memories of working his way through college at The Airliner. During those years he formed many friendships that grew into lifelong relationships, strengthened by their shared love for the university and its football and wrestling programs.
After graduating from the University of Iowa, John continued to advance his education by earning his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation. He remained committed to professional development throughout his career, continually pursuing additional accreditations-including his broker/securities license-to better serve his clients and friends.
John used his education and capacity for building people up and providing support to those around him to create an exceptionally successful business in Executive Benefit Services, Inc, achieving innumerable accolades and accommodations along the way. Throughout his life, John worked tirelessly to provide his clients-many of whom became dear friends-with thoughtful guidance and care. He took great pride in helping them make sound decisions not only about investments but about planning their futures with confidence and without worry. Nothing brought him more joy than knowing that those who trusted his counsel were positioned to thrive, both in life and financially, as they approached retirement and beyond.
In his free time, John loved spending it outdoors, walleye fishing in Red Wing, hunting pheasants with his dogs, and duck hunting in Arkansas. Being on the water with a beer in his hand and relaxing on a sandbar always held a special place in his heart. John always loved the downtime after the hunts, sitting around the fire, smoking a cigar, sipping on a cocktail, and sharing stories of their escapades with his friends, while also solving the world's problems all within one evening.
John was truly loved and appreciated by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife Valerie Siechert of Cedar Rapids, IA; his mother, JoAnne Utter of Cedar Rapids, IA; brother, James D. Utter of Dallas, TX; and James's children, May Lee Utter, James Wesley Utter, Emma Jo Utter, Kate Utter; a sister, Jeanette(Dave) Heckelsmiller of Palatine, IL; and their children, David (Cassidy) Heckelsmiller of McGovern Bristol, England; and Adam Heckelsmiller of Indianapolis, IN; and Emma Heckelsmiller of Chicago, IL; sister, Julie Utter of Iowa City, IA; and his beloved labs Jaxx and Bodie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James T. Utter; his grandparents, Wesley and Emma Kubik, and James and Dorthea Utter of Northfield, Minnesota; and numerous beloved dogs, including Tucker, with whom he shared an extra special bond.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Critter Crusaders. The link to their website can be found below: https://www.crittercrusaderscr.org/tributes