Kenneth L. Utecht, 71, was reunited with his beloved wife, Donna J. Utecht, on March 19, 2017, who preceded him in death on January 21, 2012.
Ken was born to the late Irvin and Elsie Utecht on April 19, 1945. Ken was a veteran of the United States Army in which he served from 1964 – 1968. Ken was a resident of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. Ken’s greatest love was his wife, Donna. Ken loved working side by side with Donna, taking care of Marathon Junction in Wausau. Ken and Donna bought Utecht’s Music and Games in 1977 and then purchased Marathon Junction in 1981. Later, they were caretakers of Kastle Kampground in Marion. He was the drummer and lead singer of the polka band, The Jolly Two, with Bob Klinger. Many people know Ken for the famous polka ‘The Laughing Polka’. When he was not working, he loved watching his grandchildren grow up and spending time with his family and friends. Everyone that knew him, knew he had a passion for polka music. He had an outgoing personality and got along with everyone he ever met. His happy and charismatic personality left a lasting impression on everyone that knew him. Recently, he enjoyed cookouts at South Park with Nick and Corinne Trindal and the kids, watching the Animal Planet on TV and passing out candy at the Wisconsin Veterans Home where he was known as the Candy Man.
Ken is survived by his daughter Brenda (Mike) Camp of Schofield and his son Kurt Sr. (Andrea) Utecht of Mosinee. He had 11 grandchildren: Kelsey, Kurt Jr (Michelle), Samantha, Thomas, Christine (Scott), Camie (Robert), Chelsea, Nate, Noah, Christian and Vivian. He also had seven great-grandchildren: Kayda, Eliana, Nevaeh, Finley, Nolan, Laraina and LeeLah. Ken is also survived by his sister in Texas and his brother, Eugene (Karen) Utecht in Eau Claire. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Utecht; his parents, Irvin and Elsie Utecht and his daughter, Barbara Utecht.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 1415 Merrill Ave, Wausau, WI from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The visitation will be a celebration of his life. A private burial will be held by the immediate family at RestLawn Memorial Park at a later date. Flowers can be accepted at the church any time after 1 p.m. on Friday. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
A special thanks to the nurses, caregivers and staff at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King for their time and dedication making Ken comfortable in his last days with us.