DeLoris E. Utke

DeLoris E. Utke, age 96, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Maplecrest Manor.

DeLoris was born in Neillsville , WI on September 7, 1927, the daughter of Elmer and Violet (Schlinsog) Krause. She graduated from high school in Manitowoc, WI, and was a proud graduate of St. Olaf College MN. In 1951 she married Floyd M. Utke. Throughout her life she worked as an English teacher and as Special Order Correspondent at Miles Kimball Company. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon. 

DeLoris loved to read, write poetry, and keep up with the news. She lived a full life that included traveling and putting on theatre productions at Markesan High School. She was a vibrant person who loved to share her passions with others.

DeLoris is survived by daughter, Julie (Brian) Klingbeil of Green Lake; a granddaughter, Stacy (Erind) Qerimi of West Bend; two great-grandsons, Adrian and Brayden Qerimi; and brother, Joe (Maggie) Jones of Waupaca. DeLoris was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Violet Krause; husband, Floyd Utke; brother Norman Krause; sister, Audrey Roggow.

A visitation for DeLoris will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Mayparty Drive, Ripon, WI, 54971. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Reverend Bryan Fritsch officiating. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Oshkosh. A memorial is being established. 

DeLoris' family would like to extend a thank you to everyone who brightened her life, especially her friends and caregivers at Maplecrest Manor.