Utesch, August 1849-1925

UTESCH, PETERS

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/12/2014 at 17:00:17

LeMars Globe-Post, LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa January 26, 1925

August Utesch Dies in LeMars Home
Came to United States 40 Years Ago and Settled in this County

August Utesch, one of the best known older settlers in the western part of Plymouth county, died last Saturday after a long sickness in his home on Fourth avenue S. E.

The funeral will be held tomorrow after services at 1 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church. Rev. J. J. Vollmar will officiate.

Burial will be at the Lutheran cemetery in Johnson township.

August Utesch was born on March 7, 1849, in the province of Pomerania, Germany. More than 40 years ago he came with his family to the United States and soon afterward he settled in Plymouth county. He was very successful as a farmer and was one of the biggest land owners in this county. He retired from active farming about 19 years ago and has lived in LeMars ever since.

Besides his wide and large family of sons and daughters and their children, deceased is also mourned by numerous friends.

Besides the sorrowing wife, six children survive the deceased. They are: Charles Utesch, Paul Utesch, Mrs. Joseph Jens, Mrs. Frank Jens, Bert Utesch, Willie Utesch. All live in Plymouth county except Mrs. Frank Jens, whose home is in Minnesota.
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[Another obituary]

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, LeMars, Plymouth, Iowa Tuesday, January 27, 1925

AUGUST UTESCH ANSWERS CALL

Was Well Known Farmer and An Extensive Land Owner in County

FORTY YEARS RESIDENT

Death Caused by Infection in Slight Injury

August Utesch, a well known farmer and land owner and a resident of Plymouth county for many years, died at a local hospital, Saturday morning following several, weeks illness. Mr. Utesch suffered a slight injury to his hand while at work on one of his farming in November and infection set in and spread to vital parts causing him great suffering, finally resulting in death.

August Utesch was a native of Pomerania, Germany, where he was born on March 7, 1849, and where he grew to manhood. In 1871 he came to America and located at Sterling, 111., and worked on farms in that section of the country. He returned to Germany to marry the young woman to whom he was affianced before leaving the old home, and his wedding to Minnie Peters took place on February 21, 1873. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Utesch set sail for America and on landing in New York proceeded to Sterling, 111., where they lived for four years and then located on a farm in Benton county.

Came to This County

In 1884 they came to Plymouth county and bought land in Washington township. Mr. and Mrs. Utesch by dint of hard work and good management prospered end added to their land holdings, and became extensive landowners.

Later they bought a residence in LeMars which has been their home for many years. Mr. Utesch, while living in town, devoted his time and attention to his farms and was always busy and working hard.

Father of Sixteen.

Mr. and Mrs. Utesch were the parents of sixteen children. Nine children died in infancy or childhood, one son. Max Utesch, died during the influenza epidemic.

Mr. Utesch la survived by his wife four sons and two daughters who are (unreadable). There are thirty-five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Mr and Mrs Utesch celebrated their golden wedding in February 1923.

The funeral services will be held at St. John Lutheran church at 1 o’clock this afternoon, Rev. J. J. Vollmar the pastor, officiating and the interment will be made in the Johnson township cemetery.

Mr. Utesch was widely known in the county and was related to many Plymouth county families by ties of blood and marriage. Mr. Utesch was classed among the most successful farmers of this region, and became prosperous by his industry and toil and was ably assisted in his efforts by his devoted wife and children.