Utech, Emma J.

Emma J. Utech, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died at Northbrook Care Center, Saturday, April 20, 2013. Memorial Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Marion, by the Rev. Perry Fruhling. Inurnment: West Pittsfield Cemetery, Pittsfield, Ill. Iowa Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her daughters, Janet (Steve) West Sr. of Hiawatha and Ruth Utech of Springfield, Ill.; two grandchildren, Cindy (David) Schwerdtfeger of Fridley, Minn. and Steve (Angel) West Jr. of Cedar Rapids; eight great-grandchildren, Rachel (Andrew) Vik, Kyle Schwerdtfeger, Taylor and Bailey McDole and Owen, Finn, Lindsay and Mitchell West; and one great-great grandchild arriving in July.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Leslie and Donald Leeper.

Emma was born Oct. 5, 1921, in Rockport, Ill., to Everett and Amy Lippincott Leeper. She graduated from Gem City Business College and was employed by Country Companies as a claims adjuster, retiring in 1989. She married Allan Lincoln Utech on April 26, 1941. They were later divorced. Emma was a member of the Methodist church. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ for churches from her teen years through adulthood. She enjoyed arts and crafts, especially crocheting and knitting. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini football and basketball teams.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Miller and his nurse, Linda, for their dedication and tenderness as well as the staff of Northbrook Care Center for their care and support.

Online condolences may be sent to.

Published in The Gazette April 23, 2013.