Leoma (Tiny) B. Utesch

Leoma B. "Tiny" Utesch, age 74 of Bryant, widow of Grant Utesch died on Monday, December 24, 2007 in the Parkview Care Center at Bryant where she had resided since 2003. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2PM in the United Church of Christ in Bryant with the Reverend Marjie Brewton officiating. At Tiny's request, she was cremated and her ashes will be buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Bryant on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 2PM. There will be no visitation. Leoma "Tiny" Bernadene Popham Utesch was born on November 12, 1933 to Rueben J. and Norma (Sumner) Popham in Dexter Township. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Florence, SD. During her teenage years she worked in several movie theaters in Watertown, SD. She graduated from Watertown High School, S.D. in 1953. She was united in marriage to Grant Utesch, on December 4, 1960 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watertown. They farmed and raised Herford cattle south of Bryant. As a farm wife, Tiny cared for the home but also took part in hunting ducks around Cherry Lake with her own shotgun along side her husband. Upon retirement the couple moved into the town of Bryant. Tiny entered Bryant Parview Care Center in 2003. Grant died on March 21, 2005. Tiny enjoyed playing cards, nights out dancing and visiting with family and friends. She was an avid Christian woman who spoke without reservation about Christ and his abundant love. She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary and the United Church of Christ both located in Bryant. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters and two neices. She is survived by one brother, Jimmy (Cleta) Popham of Yuma, AZ. Two sisters Carol (Wayne) Oppermann of Campbellsport, WI and Roma (Richard) Gehle of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska along with many nieces and nephews including Joann Sauder of Bryant, SD, James (Susan) Wilson of Woodbury, MN, Pamela Anderson of Eagan, MN, and Jeffery Anderson of Minneapolis MN. Tiny was also survived by many great and many great-great grand neices and nephews who are grateful to have shared her life. Final arrangements are announced by the Furness Funeral Home in Clark where you can email a condolence at www.furnessfuneralhome.com