Richard Charles Utigard
Richard (Dick) Charles Utigard, 95, of Stuart, Florida, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, entered into God’s eternal care on March 28, 2018.
Dick was born October 6, 1922, in Millville, Minnesota to Enoch Utigard and Emma Polson Utigard. He spent his first 20 years in Millville. Dick graduated from Plainview High School and continued his studies at Rochester Junior College. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Force, trained in Boca Raton, Florida where he met his future bride, MaeDell Hazen. During World War II he served in Italy as a Sargent. Dick was a charter member of the Millville American Legion Post 579.
Dick and MaeDell were married on July 26, 1947, at the Oakwood Methodist Church (known as the “Hilltop Church”) in Millville, Minnesota. Two years later they settled in Indianapolis. There Dick graduated from the tool and die school and started working for Western Electric. He retired in 1985 from Western Electric after 38 years of service.
He actively entered retirement by fishing, boating, playing pool, taking daily walks, and closely following the Pacers and Colts. Dick was a longtime active, faithful and supportive member of Irvington United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.
Dick spent his last 8 years living with his daughter and son-in-law in Maryland and later, Florida. He enjoyed family gatherings with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dick loved Florida’s warm weather, going to the beach, swimming and taking long walks.
Dick never forgot his roots in Millville, often reflecting on the strong family and community values he held that were a result of his upbringing in a small town in rural Minnesota. He fondly recalled hunting and fishing with his brothers and looked forward to returning regularly to fish and visit with family and friends.
Dick and MaeDell were married for 60 years. MaeDell preceded him in death, as did his brothers Lynn and Stan, sister Emily, and great-grandson Finn Golitko. Dick is survived by daughter, Brenda (John) Hart, son, Philip (Becki) Utigard, 5 grandchildren, Emilie Utigard (Mark Golitko), Ben and Kevin Utigard, Erica Hart (Michael Duran) and Brian (Katye) Hart, and 4 great-grandchildren James Duran, Alice Duran, Corinne Hart, and Estelle Hart.
Dick was buried at Lincoln Memory Gardens in Whitestown, Indiana. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on June 23 in Irvington United Methodist Church 30 N. Audubon Road Indianapolis, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, Mayes Center – 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
