Grant Leland Utesch

Grant Leland Utesch, age 85 a lifelong Bryant area resident died in the Parkview Care Center at Bryant on Monday afternoon, March 21, 2005. Memorial Services will be held in the Union Congregational Church Christ at Bryant on Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 2:30 PM. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery at Bryant. The Reverend Marjie Brewton will officiate. Stephanie Sauder will be the organist. "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "Blessed Assurance" which will be sung by Paul Ehrke and Rev. Brewton. Honorary casketbearers will be Roger Davidson, Neal Laube, Spencer Sauder, Cliff Corey, Don Maag and John Spieker. There will be no visitation. Grant Leland Utesch was born October 20,1919 to Art and Gladys (Judd) Utesch in the Berlin Township near Bryant. He grew up on his parent's farm and attended country school. He enjoyed trapping, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed watching the migration of the geese near the Cherry Lake area which was dear to his heart. Grant co-owned a Cessna 120 airplane and enjoyed flying. Grant served his country as a Corporal in the US Army 2nd Armed Division Tank Corp for four years during WWII. He was awarded seven battle stars and a bronze arrow head. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton. Grant was united in marriage to Leoma Popham on December 4,1960 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watertown. They farmed and raised Herford cattle near Bryant. The Grandson of charter members, Grant was an active member of the Union Congregational Church, serving in many offices. He was also a member of American Legion, Post 37. When they retired from farming they moved into Bryant. He entered the Parkview Care Center in the Spring of 2004. Grant was proceeded in death by his parents, Art and Gladys Utesch and his sisters, Rose Anderson and Nadine Wilson. Grant is survived by his wife, Leoma, his nieces, Joann (Wilson) Sauder, Pamela Anderson: nephews James Wilson (Susan), Jeff Anderson; brother-in-law Maurice Wilson; two great nieces, three great nephew, two great-great nieces and three great-great nephews. Grant was a kind and giving person to all who knew him It is comforting to know that the world is a better place for Grant having lived here. Furness Funeral Home of Clark is in charge of the arrangements. Email condolences publicly or privately at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.