Violet Utecht, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the age of 100.

The funeral service will be 11:00am, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, with Duane Utecht officiating. Burial will be at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery at a later date. Violet died Tuesday, January 16, at Aberdeen Health & Rehab.

Violet LaVerne Wendt was born on November 22, 1923 in LaMoure, ND. She was the middle of seven children for Albert Emil Wendt and Anna Louise Gahler Wendt. Violet was baptized and graduated from high school in Grand Rapids, ND, where she excelled in academics as well as basketball. Upon graduation she taught school in North Dakota before meeting and marrying Edward Helmuth Utecht in 1945 in Marion, ND.

The couple farmed in the Verona, ND area until 1950. Associated with Edward’s work in sales, the family subsequently lived in Warner, SD, Aberdeen, SD, Huron, SD, and Cortland, NY, before returning to Aberdeen in 1963, where Violet resided until her passing. Edward pre-deceased Violet in 1971.

Violet was a strong, hardworking woman, who is survived by her eight children, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Elvera Divers of Jamestown, ND. Violet’s favorite hobbies were cards (pinochle, cribbage, whist, and kings in the corner) and bingo. Even at 100 years of age, she was a challenge to defeat in any card game.

She will be laid to rest next to Edward in Verona, ND. Further life celebration details are to be determined later.

www.spitzerfuneralhome.com