Christian Biography of Dave Utecht

David (Dave) Wayne Utecht, 63, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2015 at his home in Superior, Nebraska.

David was born to Paul Utecht & Johanna (Schiefelbein) Utecht on August 19, 1951, in Hastings, Nebraska. He was raised in Superior, Nebraska, and graduated from Superior High School in 1969. He attended Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska. Dave was first employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and was later a faithful employee of the Ideal Cement Plant. In 1987, Dave purchased a restaurant and bar, Jughead's, which he owned and operated for nearly twenty years. Most recently, he was employed as a driver by Flatland Enterprises, Inc.

Dave was a loving father to four children: Matthew, Mark, Jeffrey, and Laura. On April 12, 1993, Dave married Mary (Tedford) Ohlrich in Las Vegas, Nevada. This union blessed Dave with three stepchildren: Valerie, Stephanie, and Lori.

Dave was a very hard worker, a skillful man, and an excellent business owner with many loyal patrons. When Dave wasn't working, he enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting. His true joy in life was sharing his knowledge of and passion for the outdoors with his family and friends. A tradition passed to him from his own father, Dave made sure his own children and grandchildren learned to respect and love the outdoors as well. Some of Dave's most cherished memories came from spending time on the water and in the field.

Although, Dave enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors, his true love was waterfowl hunting. This love was reflected by the years he spent perfecting his "masterpiece" duck blind, in which he painstakingly engineered, designed, and executed. Over the years, the hobby became less about the kill and more about calling birds and cooking his famous "Duck Blind Breakfast." Nonetheless, Dave was still ready to prove he could outshoot his comrades and fellow hunters whenever the opportunity presented.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his son Mark, and sister-in-law, Annice Utecht.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children Matthew Utecht and wife Jenny of Blue Hill, NE, Jeff Utecht and wife Jenny of Superior, NE, and Laura Herz and husband Aaron of Lawrence, NE; his step-daughters Valerie Kiser and husband Gary of Grand Island, NE, Stephanie Fierstein and husband Cody of Superior, NE, and Lori McCroden and husband Jeremy of Sutton, NE; his grandchildren, Gracy, Marcus, Reese, and Campbelle; his step-grandchildren, Trenton, Dillon, Chase, Spencer, Trey, Cooper, Lily, and Molly; brother Paul, sister Sherry and husband Bryan (Shorty) Kniep, and brother Jim and wife Shelley all of Superior; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 2:00 pm from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Randy Schnieder officiating.

Music was "Wayman's Song" sung by Gary Kiser and Dillan McCroden, "Amazing Grace," by Tim Trausch, and recordings of "Go Rest High On That Mountain," and "I Did It My Way," with Carlita Price as the organist.

Visitation was held on Monday 9:00 am to 8:00 and Tuesday 9:00 am until service time.

Pallbearers were Scott Utecht, Kirk Utecht, Ross Utecht, Derek Shaner, Mike Utecht and Pat Utecht. Honorary Pallbearers were Gary Kiser, Jeremy McCroden, Cody Fierstein and Aaron Herz.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established and may go in care of the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.