Utech, Franklin Robert 1929-2021

UTECH, FRANKS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/18/2021 at 14:41:21

Franklin Robert Utech

Tucson, AZ - (July 12, 1929 – November 19, 2021)

Hawarden native son, Franklin Robert Utech, 92, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona. Franklin was born July 12, 1929 in Hawarden, Iowa, the second son of Herman Carl and Lois Scott Utech. He attended Hawarden public schools, graduating from high school in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954, both in the Pacific and Korean theatres and was discharged as a sergeant in the 38th Medical Company and 2nd Infantry Division. Using the G.I.Bill, he earned a B.A.E. degree at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. His advanced degrees included a M.S. from the University of Design, and a Doctorate from Illinois State University. Franklin taught art for 30 years, retiring in 1989 as Department Chair from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. His interests included politics, serving as a county board supervisor for 13 years and was a 1970 candidate for Congress. His strong interest in aviation led him to earn a private pilot's license. He was elected president of the Oshkosh chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, where he built a scaled model of the WWII FW-190 fighter plane. Franklin married Sandra Franks of Chicago, Illinois in 1958. The couple retired in 1989 and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Together they traveled the world.

Franklin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra, brothers Clinton and Ronald Utech, sisters, Genevieve Busch (Robert), Lois Jean Kaufmann, and 19 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both parents, sister Charlene Otis, and nephew Craig Utech.

At his request, no service will be held.

Posted online on December 01, 2021

Published in Oshkosh Northwestern