Arthur Harrison Utecht

Arthur was born on a farm in New Rockford, North Dakota on February 12, 1920 to Albert and Alma Utecht.  He was one of eight children, 4 boys and 4 girls born on that farm.  He attended the local school through the 7th grade after which he stayed home to help his father and mother on the family farm. In May of 1942 at the age of 22, Arthur was inducted into the armed forces to serve in W.W. 11.  He served as a military policeman attached to the 26th General Hospital Battalion.  After basic training, Arthur was sent to England for more training after which he was sent to Tunisia, Africa.  In November of 1943 he was sent to Bare, Italy where he served until August of 1946.  While stationed in Italy, he met Liliana Prayer who was born and raised in Bare, Italy.  They were married on December 24, 1944. In March of 1946, a little girl, Claudette, was born to Arthur and Liliana in Bare, Italy.  After the conclusion of WW 11, Arthur, Liliana and Claudette returned to New Rockford, North Dakota.  They purchased a small farm near Arthur’s parent’s farm. While here on the farm, 5 children were born.  They farmed on this farm until 1954 when they sold the farm and moved to Fargo, North Dakota. While here in Fargo, Arthur worked as a maintenance man/bus driver for a large Catholic Church School. (St. Anthony’s Catholic Church).  Two more children were born to their family while living in Fargo. In 1962, Arthur and Liliana left Fargo and moved to Minneapolis.  Here Arthur worked as a maintenance supervisor until he retired at the age of 63. In 1975, Arthur and Liliana built a small home on Pokegama Creek in Pine City.  Liliana passed away at the age of 78 in December of 2002.  Arthur continued to live in Pine City until he passed away in his home on November 4th, 2013 at the age of 93. Arthur loved tinkering in his garage, riding his 4-wheeler with his son and grandsons, deer hunting with “the group”, but mostly spending time with his family.  Arthur was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife Liliana, daughters Karen and Ardis Utecht, great grandsons Jeremiah Reeves and Justin Bowman, son-in-law Anthony Reeves, brothers Melvin, Robert, and Albert Jr., and sisters Ann, Beatrice and Betty. He is survived by daughters Claudette (Ron) Falk, Evie (Clark) Barcal, Mary Lou Reeves, Jocelyn (Rick) Theis, Kathy Weiler, Renee Fochs, 18 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and one sister Lucy (Jess) Reiland. Arthur’s and Liliana’s legacy will continue to live on through his family.  He was loved by all and we are honored to call him “Dad & Grandpa”. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday Nov. 8th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Interment was in Hilltop Cemetery of Pine City.