Rodney Utecht

Rodney L. Utecht, age 80, from Gwinner, ND passed away on November 9, 2025 at the St. Rose Benedictine Nursing Home in LaMoure, ND.

Rod was born on March 20, 1945 to Milton and Amanda (Miller) Utecht. He grew up on a farm and graduated from high school at Verona, ND in 1963. Rod was passionate about sports, drama, 4-H, music and hunting at this time in his life.

In the Fall of 1963, he started his freshman year at Valley City State College. He worked for the Melroe Company in Gwinner, ND from 1966 to 1968, and then went back to college attending U.N.D in Ellendale, ND from 1968 to 1969. While attending school in Ellendale, Rod worked as a student case worker with the Dickey County Social Services Department. Rod graduated with a B.S Degree in History Education in 1969.

On March 1, 1968, he was united in marriage to Ginger Anderson at Gwinner, ND.

In the fall of 1969, Rod began teaching at Michigan, ND, where he taught History until 1973.

In 1973, he was hired by Clark Equipment Co. (Melroe Division) and lived in Gwinner with his wonderful wife, Ginger, and his son, Jesse. Rod retired from Doosan in January of 2007 after 30 years of service.

Rod's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and motor sports. Next to his love of family came music. He spent a whole lifetime playing piano, from Rock N Roll on the road to Christian music in Church. Rod was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, the Cogswell Gun Club, GA Church Council Member, and Special Music at Church E.D.T.

Rod was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, brother, sister and brother-in-law, his son, Jesse, and the love of his life, Ginger.

Rod leaves behind two grandsons, Nate Utecht (Christine Chase) and Schuyler Utecht (Carli Merkel); a granddaughter, Harleigh Helland (Justin Helland); a great granddaughter, Harper; sister-in-law, Ginny Rader (Rob); a brother-in-law, Dean Anderson (Verna); niece, Cressy Liljenquist; and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Rod and Ginger will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Gustaf Adolf Lutheran Church in Gwinner. Online guestbook signing can be done here.