Utsler, Roger L.

Roger L. Utsler, 64, of Hills, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday (before the services) at Overman Cemetery in Atalissa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Roger Lynn Utsler was born Jan. 30, 1947, in Indianola, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Ruby (McClintic) Utsler. He attended school in Indianola, graduating from high school in 1965. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had married Patricia Wadle; he later married Donna Williams on April 21, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nev. He worked most of his life as an electrician and as an independent/entrepreneur for Mannatech.

Roger was a member of the Eagles Lodge and American Legion. He enjoyed life, camping, dancing and happy hour (one drink), but most of all his family and friends, especially his grandchildren!

His family includes his wife, Donna; children, Tracey Corts of Loveland, Colo., Rick (Jessica) Utsler of Milliken, Colo., Lisa (John) Exline of Columbus Junction, Tami (Rod) Plank of Lone Tree and Tony (Corie) Williams of Iowa City; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Sonny (Sue) Utsler of Mitchellville; sister, Betty (Tom) Lowe of Mount Pleasant; and all of Donna's side of her family who thought the world of Roger!

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two granddaughters, Madison and Abigail Plank.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Roger's memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at

Published Dec. 2, 2011, in The Gazette