"Don and Hellen were the best neighbors I could have had. Always smiling and welcoming. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I was lucky to have the Utters as part of that village. "
In loving memory of
Donald Thomas Utter
February 26, 1922 - January 11, 2018
Donald Utter, 95, of Ankeny, died Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Mill Pond Assisted Living in Ankeny, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center with Pastor Ray Artrip officiating. Burial will follow the services at Graceland Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Donald Thomas Utter, son of Gail and Eva Adams Utter, was born February 26, 1922 in Gravity, Iowa. He met Helen Hope after she moved to Gravity in 1938. They graduated from Gravity High School together in 1939. On August 4, 1940, he married Helen Hope at the Christian Church in Gravity. Don worked for the Hy-Vee grocery store in Bedford from 1939 to 1943.
Don served in the U.S. Army from April 1943 to November 1945. He served in the European Theatre of Operations, and was in the 104th Infantry division. Following his Honorable discharge, they lived in Bedford and he continued to work for Hy-Vee. He also managed stores in Cameron, MO and Unionville, MO. In 1950 he began work at Central Petroleum Co. as a sales representative and moved to Webster City in 1951. He became a District Manager over 14 counties for many years. He was in the top 5 in sales in the country for Cen-Pe-Co as a salesman for 8 to 10 years. He gave up his district duties in 1964 but maintained his customers in Hamilton County until Fall, 2012 when he moved to Ankeny.
Don is survived by his sons; Gail (Donna) Utter of Ankeny; Dennis (Betty) Utter of Chariton; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Dave and DeDe Utter of Corona, CA; Debra and Kevin Buckler of Novato, CA, their children, Kathryn, Alysa and Kelly; Lisa and Russ Crabb of Pleasant Hill, their children, Tyler and Bryce; Carol and Chris Bouma of Ellington, MO, their children, Reece and Briley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen, and his sister Dorothea Poore.
Don was a member of the Church of Christ in Webster City; the American Legion Post #191 and the Elmo Lodge 62-I.O.O.F. He enjoyed sports - fishing and baseball especially the Chicago Cubs! And was happiest of all when he was with his family!
Write a personal tribute for the family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.
Tributes
"Gail and Dennis, I remember so well how very supportive your parents were of my youth work in Webster City. Whenever I asked them to help with meals, lodging for Youth Retreat and/or drive to Youth Rallies, they were willing. I remember you dad in board meetings, if there were ever a question or negative comment about the youth program your dad spoke up in a positive way. I always appreciated both him and your mom. And Dennis, that class of yours tested my patience. If there was ever a discipline problem with Bruce, Jeff, Ron or you, again your parents said they would take care of Dennis at home. (Hope I wasn't too rough on you.) Betty Watts Rupp, Hays, KS."
"Denny and Gail Sorry to read of your Dad,s death! Your Mom and Dad were two of my favorites in our trip through ????! He is with Helen now exactly where he wants to be! God Bless Paul and Tina We are in Minnesota on a medical trip."
"For more than sixty years Don worked with and for 3 generations of Paul T. Websters at the Central Petroleum Co. (CEN-PE-CO). Starting way back in 1949, Don sold to and serviced many hundreds if not thousands of farm accounts providing them with superior lubrication products and his honesty, integrity and wonderful sense of humor. He was a pioneer who loved his customers and friends throughout the country. Phil McIntire, Blaine Ballentine, Larry Bayer and many others were honored to have work with Don over the years. Thanks for the wonderful memories Don----Paul T. Webster III / President / Central Petroleum Company"
"Mr. Utter had the privilege of living a long productive life. Yet still we are saddened to hear of the loss of our dear loved ones regardless of the age. May the God of all Comfort give you peace at this time and may you gain hope on learning of the wonderful promise at Rev. 21:4. As you read of this hope may you look toward the day when you will see your loved one happy and healthy again. "
"Dear Gail, Donna and Family, Don lived a long and remarkable life. We salute him for his devotion to his country, his community and his family. Remember him with love. We extend our sympathy to you. John and Sue"
"We were so fortunate to know and love Don. He was in our bible study and Sunday School classes. He was such a great help to us when we moved to Webster City and when Jerry was in a serious accident that kept him home for a year! "