Paul Utesch, 70, of Le Mars, Iowa, died on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brunsville, Iowa.  Reverend Trish Underberg and Vicar Grace Baumgartel will officiate.  Visitation with the family present will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time and following the service during a time of lunch and fellowship, all at the church.  Arrangements are with the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be directed to the family.

Paul Max Utesch, the son of Harry and Lois (Eilks) Utesch, was born on September 16, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa.  He grew up on a farm near Brunsville.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church.  He attended school in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1973.  While in school, he began playing the trumpet which he did for many years after high school.  Following high school, he attended Westmar College in Le Mars.  Later, he attended a technical school in Pipestone, Minnesota, where he received his associates degree in livestock management.  Paul farmed for several years before going to work for Bomgaars in Le Mars as their farm department manager.  He worked there until retiring due to his health.

He married Julie Fretz.  To this union, 3 children were born: Michelle, Paul 'Augie", and Michael.  They later divorced.  He then met the love of his life, Jacque Heckart.  They were married on June 14, 2012.  To this marriage, he gained 4 more children: Joshua, Sarah, Rachael, and Katie.

He was lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brunsville.  He used his love and talent as a trumpet while he was a member of the "After-Math" music group.  Later on, he played with the "The Notables" for many years.  He also played his trumpet for many functions at the legion club in Brunsville.  He was an avid fan of the Sioux City Musketeers and the Baltimore Orioles.  He also enjoyed watching Peyton Manning, when he was playing or when he was on television and in commercials.  Paul was a lover of the land and his pets, especially his dogs. His joy was working on the farm and being with his dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Jacque of Le Mars, IA; 3 children: Michelle Pierce of Dallas, TX, and her children, Crowley and Draven; Paul 'Augie' (Cara) Utesch of Colorado Springs, CO, and their son, August, and Michael Utesch of South Padre Island, TX, and his son, Keller; 4 step children: Joshua Grenier, Sarah Greiner and her son, Blake, Rachael Grenier and her children, Kylie and Greyson, and Katie Perez and her children, Kiara and Dayton, all of Sioux City, IA; his brother, Steve (Tammy) Albers of Janesville, IA; his in laws: Debbie (Martin) Macaboy of Anamoose, ND, Brent (Imelda) Heckart of Millersville, MD, Tim Heckart of Kansas, and Doug (Patty) Heckart of Jefferson, WI; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Minnie Utesch; cousin, Donna Rae Cornish; cousin in law, Linda Utesch; and his faithful companions, "Sophie" and "Chewy".