Mary Utesch

Mary Ann Utesch, age 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on October 21, 2025, in Byron, Minnesota. With faith fulfilled, Mary was greeted at Heaven's gate by Jesus and the loved ones who went before her.

Mary Ann (Nelson) Utesch was born in Austin, Minnesota, on December 9, 1935, to Alfred and Dora Nelson. The family later moved to rural Grand Meadow, Minnesota, where Mary spent most of her school years. She was active in band, chorus and was honored as homecoming queen.

Mary met the love of her life, Paul Utesch, at a roller-skating rink. They were married on May 23, 1954, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Racine, Minnesota. Together, they raised their family in Rochester, Minnesota and shared a lifetime of memories. Paul and Mary were longtime members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota.

The family enjoyed many trips to Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota. Paul and Mary eventually purchased their own cabin in Cook, Minnesota on Lake Vermilion, where they spent many joyful moments with family over decades.

Mary worked as a bank teller and later served as an election judge. Her greatest and most cherished role, however, was that of homemaker - caring deeply for her family and creating a warm and welcoming home. Mary made wonderful memories through food - oyster stew on Christmas Eve, strawberry dessert for birthdays and fried walleye and pancakes at the cabin.

Mary is survived by her sons Alan Utesch (Susan), Greg Utesch (Linda), and Gary Utesch (Traci Heim); grandchildren Kelly Utesch (Jon Wright), Adam Utesch (Daryna), Justin Utesch (Mindy), Tyler Utesch (Kenadie Cain), Zachary Utesch (Savannah) and Melissa Maves (Adam). She is also survived by great-grandchildren Tanner Weifenbach, Taylor Utesch, Ford Utesch, and Theodore, Jocelyn and Gabrielle Maves.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and her younger brother, David, who died in early childhood.

Private family services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church with burial at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Mayo Clinic Palliative and Hospice Care teams, and to the staff at Madonna Summit in Byron, Minnesota.

Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Utesch family.