Donald Utley

DIXON – Donald C. Utley, 66, of Dixon, formerly of Michigan City, Ind., went to be with our Lord and Savior Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Avonlea Cottage, Sterling, after a brave and courageous battle with cancer.

Donald was born Nov. 5, 1944, in Altoona, Pa., the son of William and Ellen (Walk) Utley. Donald served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965, and then in the Reserve from 1965 to 1968. He married his best friend, lover, and soul mate, Linda Bowerman, on May 26, 2007, in Michigan City, Ind. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Michigan City, Ind.

Don was employed with Paltier LLC for 24 years; Josam Corp. for more than 3 years; and Health Partners for 4 years. His greatest joy was spending time with his church family and friends, whom he loved dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; three daughters, Lisa Wischman of Wabash, Ind., Katherine (Justin) Gregory of Michigan City, Ind., and Melissa (Keith) Lewis of Rock Falls; one son, Craig Utley of Bloomington; five grandchildren; two brothers, William (Rose) Utley of Ottsville, Pa., and Louis Utley of Bloomington Springs, Tenn.; one half brother, Calvin Utley of Florida; three half sisters, Nellie Persingn of Tyronne, Pa., Barb McCauly of Pennsylvania, and Donna Dykin of Virginia; and two stepsisters, Alice and Shirley of Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Michelle Hurd.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Judy Huseth officiating.

Cremation rites will be accorded.