Jay Glen Utke

Jay G. Utke age 75 of Rochert, MN died December 27, 2013 at Essentia Health- St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jay Glenn Utke was born on March 3, 1938 in Fargo, North Dakota to Howard and Adeline Schoessow Utke. He grew up and attended school in Alice, ND, Enderlin, ND, and later Alexandria, MN, where he graduated from High School in 1957. On July 22, 1958 he was united in marriage to Luella Bruxvoort in Worthington, MN. Shortly after their marriage they moved to rural Detroit Lakes, where they raised their family. Jay owned and operated Jay's Welding and Machine in those early years. In the 1980's he worked in Saudi Arabia as an Equipment Superintendent for a road construction company. He most recently owned and operated the Rochert Manufacturing and Machine Shop. Jay served in the Army National Guard and in the Army Reserve for 19 years. Upon his honorable discharge in 1974 he had obtained the rank of Sergeant and had earned sharpshooter, marksman and expert rifle metals. Jay enjoyed feeding and watching the deer in his back yard. He also liked riding his motorcycle, and time spent with his family and his dog, "Snoopy Ann". He is survived by one daughter, Julie (Daniel) Gray, of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sons, Jerry (Dawn Barnack) Utke, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Jeff (Georgia Nagel) Utke, of Detroit Lakes, MN; five grandchildren, Matt Gray, Kevin Utke, Ashley Utke, Dalton Utke, and Riley Utke; one brother, Gene (Sally) Utke, of Arcadia, FL; fiancé, Charlene Jernberg; and Dawn Utke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella (2005); and his parents.