Donald Utz

Donald J. Utz, Sr. ,'Drake', was born August 6, 1933, in New Ulm, the son of Philip and Clara (Kraus) Utz. He served with the U.S. Army from 1956-58 and was stationed in Weisbaden, Germany. Drake was united in marriage to Joyce Pieske in February of 1963, in Springfield. They later divorced. Drake was a 44 year employee of Vigorena Feeds in Springfield and served as the Assistant Grain Buyer. He also served as Mayor of Cobden for the past 12 years until the time of his death. Drake was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, a member of John Watson American Legion Post #257, and an honorary member of New Ulm Battery. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Old Time music, and visiting his many friends. Drake especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was happiest when he was out sight-seeing around the area. Donald Joseph Utz, Sr, died Thursday, December 7, 2006, at the Sleepy Eye Medical Center at the age of 73 years. Survivors include children- David of Bemidji, Deb and husband Dave Mead of Cobden, Mike and wife Leisha of Elk River, Dennis of Cobden, Melissa and husband Allen 'Butch' Krebs of Cobden, and Donald, Jr. and special friend Becky Rannow of New Ulm; 12 grandchildren; sisters- Mary Ann Ochs of Springfield, and Shirley (Dale) Hacker of Clements; brothers- Richard (Gloria) Utz of Comfrey, and Ken (Darlene) Utz of Springfield; sister-in-law- Rose Utz of Fairfax; many nieces and nephews; and special friends- Rose Riederer and Jim Heiling. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-Carl, Dennis, Linus, and Ronald; nieces- Kelly Utz and Michelle Ochs; nephew- Dwayne Hacker; and son-in-law- Rueben Johns.