Ellen Utesch, 96, of Le Mars, Iowa, died on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa.

Private family services will be held.  Arrangements are with Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

Memorials can be made in Ellen's name to St. Croix Hospice, in care of Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home, PO Box 711, Le Mars, Iowa, 51031.

Ellen Albertha Raak, the daughter of Edward and Cornelia (Hubers) Raak, was born on May 16, 1929, in Orange City, Iowa.  She attended school in Orange City and graduated from high school.

She was united in marriage to Norman Utesch on May 6, 1949, at St. John's American Lutheran Church in Le Mars.

They made their first home on a farm near Merrill where Ellen was a homemaker for her family.  They later moved to a farm north of Le Mars. When their children were older, Ellen went to work at the Plymouth County Courthouse.  She later worked at the development office at Westmar College in Le Mars.  Her last job was working as a secretary for Greg Mitchell at Edward Jones in Le Mars. Upon their retirement, Ellen and Norm moved to Le Mars.  Norman passed away on March 10, 2020.

Ellen was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.  She enjoyed flower gardening and taking care of her roses.  She also enjoyed playing bingo, word games, and reading.

Survivors include her children: Larry (Rosemary) Utesch of Riverside, CA, Bonnie (Tim) Rasmussen of Coolidge, AZ, and Randy (Kim) Utesch of Pine River, MN; a grandson: Eric (Clare) Utesch of Gilbert, AZ, and their children, Catrina and Aiden; and a niece, Cheryl (Greg) Myhr of Maple Grove, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; a sister, Eleanor (Paul) Faurot; and a grandson, Kyle Utesch.