Reinhold E. ’Reinie’ Utke

Reinhold Reinie Emil Robert Utke passed away at the age of 89, on Thursday, July 14, 2005, following a month long struggle with serious injuries suffered from a fall.Reinie, the son of Wilhelm and Wilhemina Utke was born April 23, 1916 in rural Enderlin, ND, the middle child of what would eventually become a family of eleven. He was baptized and confirmed in Leonard Lutheran Church.Only July 18, 1940, Ruth Hannaford of Glyndon, MN and Reinie were united in marriage at First Congregational Church, Moorhead, MN. From their union, two daughters were born, Marilyn DeWitt of St. Louis, MO and Sharon Carlos of Fountain, CO. Ruth passed away on March 14, 1991. On June 19, 1992 Reinie was united in marriage to Crystal Tollefson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. Each anniversary, with the exception of the last, was observed at Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, WI. Reinie was blessed with a variety of talents and abilities. One of them was determination in the difficult depression years to better himself by seeking an education. By working various jobs he graduated from Enderlin High School in 1935 and Moorhead State College in 1939. In his last two years of high school, he won 1st place as male vocalist in state competition and later was active in college musical events as well. In 1978, he was awarded Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater. He received a Masters Degree from NDSU in 1953 and continued post graduate work at Stanford University, CA and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He taught high school in Ulen and Ellendale, MN and managed a store in Enderlin before moving to Moorhead in 1953, where he became a high school guidance counselor. He created a summer counseling program for incoming 10th grade students to assist them in the process of adjusting to high school. He could always see the potential in each student.In 1958 he began a 20 year position as principal at Moorhead Junior High School and was respected by his staff and Moorhead community for his care and concern for each student. Under his direction yearly school projects involving students and staff to raise money for the needy was accomplished. Some of these drives included a Peace Corps school in India, Biafra relief, Christmas baskets to nursing homes, Operation Bootstrap, Viking Ship and others. Reinie gave of his talents in many capacities in church and community. He held membership in several state and national professional organizations, directed male choruses and church choirs and served on a variety of boards and councils including a 50 year membership in Kiwanis Service Club. He was co-founder of Moorhead Education Foundation which continues to provide scholarships for Moorhead High graduates. With keen interest in the Apollo Strings, he organized and managed several group trips to various European countries.Reinie led a remarkable, productive life and will be remembered as a valued, contributing citizen in his career and community, with his diverse, numerous talents, but also as a man with a spirit of warm compassion, patience, generosity, creativity, wit and a source of devotion and strength to wife and family. Blessed be his memory.Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Crystal; two daughters, Marilyn DeWitt, St. Louis, MO, and Sharon Carlos, Fountain, CO; four grandchildren, Drew Kelly DeWitt, Minneapolis, MN, Paige DeWitt, St. Louis, MO, Ann Marie and Anthony Carlos of Fountain, CO; two great granddaughters, Jillian DeWitt and Kalia Carlos, four stepchildren, Blair Tollefson, Boston, MA, Jon Tollefson, Fargo, ND, Jill Steven Swantz, Burnsville, MN, James Tollefson, Detroit Lakes, MN; two step grandchildren, Samuel and Emily Swantz; two sisters, Louise Koslofsky, Barron, WI, Myrtle Koslofsky, Wheatland, IA; one brother, Bill Helen Utke, Sioux Falls, SD; one brother-in-law, Lyle Kathy Severson, Pelican Rapids, MN; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Albert, Lawrence, Marvin and Elroy; three sisters, Palma O'Donnell, Martha Buttke and Luella Hackett.The Utke family expresses its sincere gratitude for the outpouring acts of kindness and generosity extended during this time.In lieu of flowers, memorials should be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, First Congregational Church of Christ, Kiwanis Club, Bethany Homes or to a charity of the donors choice.