Jeane Utecht

Jeane Helen Utecht, 91, of Detroit Lakes, died Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Lamplighter Manor in Detroit Lakes. Jeane was born to Harry and Florence (O'Day) Desmond on September 12, 1923. She was raised and educated in St. Paul Mn, graduating from high school in 1941. Jeane was united in marriage to Ken Utecht on October 11, 1942 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, where Ken was stationed in the United States Army. While Ken proudly served in the South Pacific, Jeane stayed home and helped the War effort at the ammunitions plant. After the war Jeane worked various jobs while raising a family of eight children. Ken's job as a salesman brought him to Detroit Lakes, where he and Jeane bought a seasonal restaurant; continually adding on to the business, it soon became a year around establishment. Although selling out and relocating in 1970, Ken's Red Hen and The Black Bear Lounge are fondly remembered by people to this day. Jeane was the chief cook, bottle washer, bookkeeper, and baker as she worked side by side with Ken through most of their 70 years of marriage; continuing to cook for several years at restaurants, resorts and camps in Florida and Minnesota. Jeane was a renowned International Cook at the Concordia Language Villages, perfecting dishes from various countries, including Norway, Germany, France and Spain. Jeane officially retired at the young age of 65, finishing her career as the Supervisor of the Federal Building Cafeteria in St. Paul, MN. After traveling in their Motor Homes for several years, while based out of their retirement villa in Scandia, MN, Jeane and Ken returned to the Detroit Lakes area in 2005; 45 years after leaving the area for what turned out to be a lifetime of adventure. Jeane stayed busy baking and gardening and at any time would have dozens of fresh chocolate chip, peanut butter and other scrumptious cookies for company that dropped by to see her beautiful flowers, or to help with the jigsaw puzzle pictures she loved to work on with Ken. They would frame the beautiful pictures, creating their own art gallery. Jeane is survived by her Children; Mike (Betty) of White Bear Lake, Sue Lorentz of Detroit Lakes, Fran (Leroy) Herauf of Rosanky, Texas, Kevin of New Brighton, Ann (Mike) Johnson of Park Rapids, Peter and James of Detroit Lakes; Brother Bob and Sister in Law Ruth Desmond; Sister in Law Judy Desmond; 13 grandchildren; Robert (Susan) Utecht, Mike (Mary) Utecht, Pat Utecht, Leann (Fletcher) Westin, Todd (Holly) Herauf, Pat (Kathy) Utecht, Jennifer (Luis) Torres, Mayleigh (Otho) Farrow, Shawn (Michelle) Johnson, Justin Utecht, Matt Utecht, Kris (Emilt) Johnson, Shannon Utecht and several great grandchildren. Jeane was preceded in death by her Husband Kenneth Utecht Sr., Son Kenneth Utecht Jr, Sister Margaret (Peggy) and Brother in Law Nick Hecimovich, Brother John Desmond, Brother in Law Bob and Sister in Law Donna Utecht, Sister in Law Mary and Brother in law Cloyd Pierce, and Sister in Law Margaret (Marge) Utecht.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Service
Saturday, March 28, 2015

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