Steven James Utecht

Steven James Utecht, aged 69, passed from this life into eternal life and was welcomed by his Savior, Jesus, and many that have gone before on June 29, 2024. His family surrounded him as he journeyed in his last week. He was born February 10, 1955, and graduated from Winneconne High School in 1973. After he met Vicky, he knew she was the one, and they married almost 48 years ago. The Lord created a beautiful family for them, blessing them with one daughter, Amanda, and three sons, Samuel, Grant, and Kevin. He also added bonus children by marriage: Steve Seegers, Sara Utecht, and Bailey Utecht. In addition he had 10 amazing grandchildren: Brayden, Raina, Sawyer, Macy, and Jackson Seegers; Lincoln, Isabella, and Brynn Utecht; and Ruby and Casey Utecht. He is survived by his brother Warren (Sandi) and sister-in-law, Sharon Utecht, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister, Madelon, brother Denis, and his parents, Melvin and Dorothy. 

Steve’s life journey was driven by his steadfast love, his sacrificial service to others, his zest for life, and his unwavering faith. 

Steve openly and easily demonstrated his love for family and friends with big bear hugs for hellos and again for goodbyes. Everyone always felt warmly welcomed by him in every situation. His family always knew if they needed help with moving, yardwork, house projects, babysitting or dog-sitting, he was ready to swoop in and give it his all. His grandkids knew he was there for homework-help, games, bike rides, or just being silly; he rarely missed seeing their events. Steve loved people; he was naturally encouraging, and he always found the good in people and believed the best about them. Long before “technology,” he brought his clunky video camera to all the family birthday parties, capturing literally hundreds of precious family moments. His children and grandchildren knew he loved them and that he believed in all of them. They enjoyed the random texts he sent often; sweet indications that he thought about them. He wanted people to feel included and was friendly and welcoming to new family members. But the true love of his life was his wife; Steve never kept secret how he felt about Vicky. He clearly adored her and his commitment to her never wavered. 

Steve’s love for family, friends, and community was often demonstrated by his willingness to be a servant. For decades, he was active in church ministries, including working with youth groups, music and praise team, hosting and leading Bible studies, and giving rides to church. He faithfully served his neighbors well by snow blowing their sidewalks in the winter and helped with lawn work in the summer. He was a hard worker at Mercury Marine for 42 years, where he often went above and beyond, helping his coworkers and adapting to anywhere they placed him. 

Steve also loved to “play.” Steve enjoyed life. He had a myriad of hobbies: hiking, biking, kayaking, and playing drums to name a few. It never mattered if he didn’t have someone to do these things with him; he was perfectly happy to do them on his own. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and never missed a game. At one point, he was accidentally involved in five separate fantasy football leagues. He loved Gitche Gumee Bible Camp and rarely missed a week of summer family camp. He was never shy to admit that he would go to almost any length to be comfy, even if that meant that he and Vicky needed a king-sized bed to accommodate all of his pillows. He liked clothes and was a sharp dresser, except on Sunday afternoons when he sported a variety of Packers sweatshirts, jerseys, and sweatpants. Steve was always a big kid at heart; he loved cars, funny shows, treats, swimming, and midnight trips to the freezer for a bowl of ice cream. His laughter came easily, was infectious, and filled a room. 

Perhaps the thing that Steve held most dear was his steadfast faith in God. Steve was not afraid to speak words of Truth to the people in his life. He boldly shared his faith at work and in his neighborhood. One of his former coworkers referred to Steve as a “shining light” at his place of work. His wife, children, grandchildren, and family have borne witness to his abiding commitment to Jesus and feel joy for him and are at peace knowing that Steve is in the arms of his Savior today!

A funeral service for Steve will be held at Calvary SonRise (222 Church Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54901) on Friday, July 5th 2024 at 11:30am. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am-11:30am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds will be established for organizations near and dear to Steve’s heart.