Cletus Utz

Cletus Joseph Utz was born on May 22, 1937 in Burnstown Township, the son of Joseph Anton and Rosalia Elizabeth (Lang) Utz. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1963. He served with the U.S. Expeditionary Forces in the African Congo in 1960 and was stationed at bases in France and Germany. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Vargas on August 5, 1989 in Springfield. Cletus was a 42 year member of the American Legion and Past Commander of Post 257, a life member of the VFW Chapter 3818 of Flom, MN, and a life member of the DAV Chapter 15 in New Ulm. He has been active in Memorial Day and Veterans Day services for over 40 years. Clete was employed as a Meat Department Manager at Tauers for over 35 years and recently worked for the Lake Agassiz Regional Library in Moorhead as a Link Site Coordinator. He served as Mayor of Springfield from 1997 until 2001 and Mayor of Twin Valley from 2008 until 2010. He also served as the Charitable Gambling Site Manager for the Twins Valley American Legion. Clete was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church and the Springfield Public Library Board and assisted with Meals on Wheels. Clete died on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the New Ulm Medical Center at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his wife - Kathleen of Springfield, daughter - Samantha of Madelia; step daughter - Tanya Whitney of Madelia; a brother - John (Marie) Utz of Vining, MN; sisters - Judy Fox of Wabasha, MN and Lois Cleary of Fairbault, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Pat Marz. Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, June 14, 2013 St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield, MN 112 West Van Dusen Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, June 14, 2013 St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Springfield, MN 112 West Van Dusen Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Interment Information Springfield City Cemetery Co. Rd 24 Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087