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- From the Missoulian, December 12, 2004.MISSOULA
- Jesse Brue Utech passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, in Missoula.
He was born Jan. 28, 1919, in Bemidji, Minn. He grew up
on his parents' farm until entering the military, serving in World War
II.
Upon returning home, he married Elinor Nordeen on June
4, 1947, in DeKalb, Ill.
He spent the following years in Minnesota working for
Caterpillar and starting a family. In 1965, the family moved to
Missoula where Jesse continued working for Caterpillar at Westmont
Tractor Co. He retired in 1981.
After his retirement, Jesse and Elinor volunteered at
Emma Dickinson School. His retirement also meant that he was able to
spend more time being with and caring for his grandchildren, who were
very special to him.
Jesse was a member of the Missoula Iris Society and was
very proud of his irises, especially those that won awards. He was
also a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Golden Kiwanis and the
Vasa Tegner Lodge.
Jesse was a journeyman diesel mechanic who specialized
in rebuilding engines and transmissions. He was also a very good
photographer who loved to travel and record his journeys in pictures.
In his earlier years he loved hunting in Montana and the numerous
boating opportunities of Minnesota.
Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, a loving
father and an awesome grandfather. He loved his family very much. His
greatest joy was to see them all gathered together in one place. This
Christmas they will gather with the two newest additions to his
family, Hayden and Konnor, his great-grandsons.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Albert and
Marie Utech, sisters Elaine and Arlys and brother Wallace.
Jesse is survived by his wife Elinor, daughters Barbara
and husband Ray Powell and Jean and husband Jeff Jenkins, and
granddaughters Sherry and husband Robert White, Erin and husband
Brodie Ellis and Jessica Anderson, all of Missoula; granddaughter
Tammy Powell of Vancouver, Wash.; and great-grandsons Hayden Ellis and
Konnor White. He is also survived by nephews Michael and Brian Stuart
and Robert Utech, and niece Linda Magnusen.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec.
13, at Atonement Lutheran Church at 2205 34th St. with the Rev. Jim
Engh officiating. A reception will follow.
The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity
of the donor's choice.
Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home
and Crematory and private internment has taken place at Sunset Memorial
Cemetery.
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