Frank F. Uttech, age 89 of West Bend, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in the town of West Bend after a 16 year battle with Parkinson Disease.
Frank was born on June 9, 1921 in Watertown to the late Frank and Irma (nee Nickels) Uttech. He graduated from Watertown High School in the class of 1939. Frank entered the Armed Forces in 1942. He served in Europe with the 88th Field Artillery until 1946. On January 8, 1944, Frank was united in marriage to Elda Wilkens in Little Rock, AR. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. In 1950, Frank was recalled by the Armed Forces to serve in Korea.
Frank was employed at the West Bend Company. He retired as the Personnel Manager in 1976 after 30 years of service. He came out of retirement to work for Serigraph for 8 years.
Frank was active in church work and the School Board of St. John's School. He was a member of the West Bend Noon Kiwanis and served as the club secretary for many years. He also was the recipient of the Kiwanis George E. Hixson Award. He was also a member of the Southeastern Regional Planning Commission and served as chairman from January 1989 through December 1992. Frank was a past president of the Administrative Management Society, Milwaukee Chapter. He was active in community affairs, serving on various boards and organizations.
Frank enjoyed golfing, playing sheepshead and bridge, and tending his flower and vegetable gardens. Frank and Elda enjoyed trips to the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, and the Canadian Rockies.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elda of West Bend; daughter, Susan Taylor of New Berlin; twin sons, Donald (Kay) Uttech of Maple Grove, MN and David (Sue) Uttech of West Bend; 4 grandchildren, Chris (Allison) Manuel, Cassie (Jason) Franklin, Lisa Uttech, and Michael (Chrissy) Uttech; six great-grandchildren, Bailey and Parker Manuel, twin girls, Arielle and Elizabeth Franklin, Drew and Abigail Uttech; brother, Walter (Ruth) Uttech; sisters-in-law; Esther Uttech and Carol (Harold) Falk; niece, Jean Falk of West Bend; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by four sisters, Ruth Uttech, Eugenia Uttech, Gertrude and her husband Earl Mundt, Betty and her husband George Simonson; three brothers, Martin Uttech, Hilmer and his wife Avis Uttech, and Harold Uttech.
A memorial service in remembrance of Frank will be held on Sunday, March 20th at 4:00 pm at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 809 S. 6th Street, West Bend with Rev. Jeff Dorth officiating. Visitation will be at the church Sunday from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.
Memorials to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice are appreciated by the family.