DONALD CALVIN UTECHT

May 15, 1927 - August 19, 2017

One of Oshkosh’s finest has rested his badge for the final time. Donald Calvin Utecht, died at the age of 90, on august 19, 2017 at home with his wife of sixty-nine years by his side. Over a span of ninety years Don has seen and has been part of many changes and fads which have come and gone. Through it all and at the end of his life he still had a great sense of humor, he loved sharing with his family and friends. He had the ability to speak volumes with just a few words. His friends, who were many and dear to him were from various backgrounds and worked and played just as hard as he did. He believed a warm smile and a firm handshake spoke loudly about the character of a person. He felt everyone deserved a fair shake in life, was quick to give a helping hand but never rushed to judge individuals. Although he was leader of men in Blue, he preferred to let the light shine on them. Don took delight in and looked forward to breakfast with fellow retired officers on Thursday Mornings. He had a fondness for boats, cars, from Model T’s to Firebird Convertibles and Cadillac’s. Seems as though whenever one got dusty there was a new one in the driveway to replace it. One of his boats, Lazy Daze, represented anything but the way he led his life. You could find him walking, riding a bike or playing racquetball at the YMCA. Don graduated from Oshkosh High School in June of 1945. He was one of two people in high school to own his own car a $20.00 Model A Ford. While in high school he met the love of his life Rosalie Van Ravenstein. Don married Rosalie in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oshkosh on October 30, 1948. He gave credit to his Model A Ford for attracting her attention. Soon after he was off to serve his country in The U.S. Navy. He served one year as a swimming instructor at Great Lakes Naval Academy and two years as an electrician on a LST in China. After serving his country Don became a patrolman for The Oshkosh Police Department where he worked for thirty-seven years. He worked himself up to Chief of Police-a position he held for seven years. While Chief of Police he met Then President Ronald Reagan. Don was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Florida Moose Club, WI. Police Protection Association, WI Police Chiefs Association, thirty-five year member of the Oshkosh YMCA, and former member of the Oshkosh Boat Club. Oshkosh was always home but he loved to bury his feet into the warm sand of Fort Meyer’s Beach, where he and Rosalie spent the last thirty-one winters. He was fortunate enough to live a very full life, and knew how to enjoy dancing and cocktail time. Don is survived by his wife; Rosalie Utecht, one daughter; Renee (Peter) Donner, four grandchildren, Jessica (Tom) Martine, their children, Max, Cal, Molly, Amanda (Trevor) Donner-Bohn, their children, Ava, Landon, Joshua (Sarah) Donner, their children, Isabella, Emma, Beckett, Zachariah (Erin) Donner. One sister-in-law; Ivan (Pat Van Ravenstein) Dorsey. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Alvin (Lucille Wussow) Utecht, one sister; Nancy (Allan) Langkau, mother and father-in-law Adrian (Mina) Van Ravenstein, two brothers-in-law; Arnold, Edward Van Ravenstein, and sister-in-law; Maria Van Ravenstein. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 26, at 11:00 AM in St. Mary’s Catholic Church (210 Pleasant Drive) Winneconne. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may call at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Homes (865 S Westhaven) Oshkosh on Friday August 25, from 3:00-6:00 Pm, and also at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the hour of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. Don’s family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Steven Knaus, and the many nurses at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah who provided Don with the best comfort and care.