Joseph Vernon Utter

Joseph V. Utter, 78, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church, the Rev. Fr. Stephen Page officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Joseph Vernon Utter was born January 12, 1945, to Vernon and Lois (Manro) Utter in Ottumwa, Iowa. After graduating from high school in Ottumwa in 1963, he went on to the University of Northern Iowa, receiving his B.A. in Education. He began his career at DeWitt Central, teaching mathematics and coaching basketball, baseball, and football. Joe furthered his education at Western Illinois University, earning two more degrees, an M.S. Ed. and Ed.S. Joe became the principal at DeWitt Central High School in 1992. He proposed to Mary D. Meyer on the big screen at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, and they were married on April 12, 1997, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. Joe retired after 37 years in the DeWitt Central School District.

Joe was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt. He loved fishing at Shell Lake, Wisconsin with his dear friends. Joe was a faithful fan of the Cubs and Bears. He and Mary loved traveling together, making trips to Mackinac Island, Las Vegas, and Northern Minnesota, among others.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; a sister-in-law, Stacy Utter; a niece, Kelsey (Tanner) Ornduff and nephew, Clint (Amara) Utter, with their daughter, Nora; cousins, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, John.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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