Orvel A. Utech, age 93, of Wisconsin Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Friday, November 30, 2018 at his residence at the Renaissance of Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will take place on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was a member for 56 years. Pastors Jonathan Petzold and Paul Muther will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at the church on Friday. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family at this difficult time.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Orvel was born May 16, 1925 on the family farm in the town of Maine to Arthur and Martha (Scharbius) Utech.  He attended a one-room school with his five brothers and one sister, graduated Merrill High School, earned a certificate as an electrotechnician from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and associate degree in accounting from Midstate Tech. He served in the US Navy on the USS Prairie and worked many years as an electrician at Leverance Company, Staub’s Electric and Riverview Hospital. He ended his career as a salesman for Central Company.  He married Geraldine Plautz on February 24, 1951 and enjoyed 59 years of wedded happiness with her. They spent the last 17 winters of their marriage in the Florida sunshine at the Woodlands near Orlando.

Orvel loved flower gardening  (especially dahlias) and growing mammoth tomatoes, but his passion was in woodworking, and his woodcraft has graced the homes of his family, schools and churches across the country.  He loved telling stories of his childhood on the family farm and playing cards with his friends.

Orvel is survived by his daughters Lynda (Richard) Wright and Pamela (Steven) Muther, grandchildren: Aaron (Lyndsay) Muther, Paul (Laura) Muther, John Muther, Stephanie Wright and Joseph Wright, great-grandchildren: Tesla, Samuel, Benjamin and Amos. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Hospice staff, and especially to the staff and residents of the Renaissance for their care and friendship, which enriched his life.

Because of Orvel’s lifelong faith in and love for Jesus, his Savior, please direct memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, School, or Concordia Seminary St. Louis.