Wilma Jane "Billie" Utesch

Wilma Jane Utesch (née Ramsay), lovingly known as "Billie," was called home by her angels on August 3, 2025. She was born January 20, 1933, in Portage, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Agnes Ramsay. Billie spent her younger years growing up on the family farm, where she developed her lifelong love of the outdoors.

On June 8, 1957, she married the love of her life, Dale Utesch, at the Caledonia Church. Together they raised three sons: Gary (1961–1984), Lynn (1963), and Jeff (1964).

Billie was an avid volunteer, giving her time generously throughout the years, including serving in Hospice care alongside Dale. While living in Missouri, she especially enjoyed volunteering at College of the Ozarks basketball games. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren in their many sporting events - whether it was football, sled hockey, track, or soccer - she was always the proudest supporter in the stands.

Wisconsin was home for most of Billie's life, with the exception of their retirement years in Forsyth, Missouri, where she and Dale enjoyed the temperate weather, beautiful landscapes, fishing, Branson shows, and the many good friends and neighbors they met along the way.

In 2012, Billie and Dale moved back to Tomah to be closer to family. Two years later, in 2014, Dale passed away, leaving a space in her heart that could never be filled. Billie continued to live independently, drove herself where she needed to go, and remained active all 92 years of her life - a fact that amazed all who knew her. She was always ready for a card game and even more ready to win, and the good times gathered around the table will be fondly remembered.

Billie will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Gary; her husband Dale; her parents, Agnes and Thomas Ramsay; and siblings, Agnes James (Don), Ellsworth Ramsay (Lorna), Margaret Ramsay, Ronald Ramsay (Ruth), Marion (Bob) McMahon, and Doris Schleicher.

She is survived by her sons Lynn (Nancy) of Kewaunee, WI, and Jeff (Shannon) of Tomah, WI; grandchildren Russ Halvorson (Abby) of Hawthorn Woods, IL; Joe Halvorson (Lisa) of Minneapolis, MN; Adeline Utesch of Chicago, IL; Sam Utesch of Kewaunee, WI; Haakon Utesch of Kewaunee, WI; and Sevanna Utesch of Tomah, WI; great-grandsons Russell and Sawyer Halvorson; her sister Beth Hitchcock (Jim) of Maryland; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her grief group and her many dear friends, including Dorothy Shutter, Chuck & Sara Beck, Ev Johnson, Kathy Hallett, Tom and Young Soon Park, and many others too numerous to list.

Billie's life was a testament to love, service, and devotion to family and community. Her memory will forever inspire those who knew her to live with the same warmth and generosity she so effortlessly shared.

In memory of Billie: Volunteer, show up, and be present. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.

Services for Billie will be held at the Caledonia Presbyterian Church, N5123 Hwy 78, Portage, WI 53901 on Saturday, October 11, 1:00 PM. A reception at Fellowship Hall will follow. Graveside services are private and for immediate family only.

The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be given to the family by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com