Kevin Utecht

Kevin Patrick Utecht, 72, passed away December 25, 2023 at his home at Park Manor in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Kevin was born to Kenneth and Jeane (Desmond) Utecht on October 18, 1951. He grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and loved the lakes and being outdoors. Kevin was an avid skier and spent hours each summer with friends and family on the water. Skimming across the water on everything from slalom skis to saucers to a homemade pair of foot skis, Kevin was a natural and would join his brothers in daring escapades.   

Kevin joined his siblings in starting work young at his parent’s restaurant, The Red Hen. In high school he got a job with JC Penney modeling clothes and continued with the company as a shoe salesman. Kevin graduated from high school in 1969 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He reported to boot camp in Chicago, Illinois. After serving at various bases around the United States he received an assignment to deploy to McMurdo Station in Antarctica where he remained until his honorable discharge in 1973. In those days before computers Kevin would contact the family from The South Pole by Ham Radio, sometimes linking up with multiple operators worldwide before finally making contact back to Minnesota.

When Kevin got out of the Navy he moved to Bemidji, Minnesota to start the next chapter of his life. He enrolled at Bemidji State University to continue his education. Kevin later got his Architectural Drafting Degree from Dunwoody College of Technology. He enjoyed designing buildings for various companies the remainder of his career.

Kevin was united in marriage from January 1975-1980 to Mary Stefano in Woodbury, Minnesota. They were blessed with 2 children: son Patrick and daughter Mayleigh, who each welcomed 2 children of their own. Kevin loved his children and grandchildren. He was an avid story teller and would share exciting and vivid stories of them at family gatherings as a very proud father and grandfather.

Kevin loved fishing and his occasional excursions to Red Lake would produce limits of Walleye and Crappie that he would share with friends and family. He also loved his occasional trips to Montana, where he had worked in his younger days.

When Kevin retired he moved back to his hometown of Detroit Lakes. This allowed him to reconnect with childhood friends and siblings. He continued his love of fishing and would have walleye feeds a couple times each summer at family gatherings. Between fishing, video games, and family, Kevin kept busy navigating life. He will be remembered and missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.     

Kevin is survived by his children: Patrick (Kathy) Lino Lakes, MN, Mayleigh (Otho) Hugo, MN; 4 grandchildren: Conner (14), Miles (11) (Patrick and Kathy), Jeremiah (10) and Serayah (7) (Mayleigh and Otho); his siblings: Sue Lorentz, Fran (Leroy) Herauf, Ann (Mike) Johnson, Peter, and James; his sisters-in-law, Betty Utecht, Cheryl Utecht, as well as extended family and friends.

Preceding Kevin in death were his mother (Jeane) and father (Ken Sr.); brothers, Ken Utecht Jr. and Michael Utecht.