Thalia Utecht

Hastings resident, Thalia Ruth (Burns) Utecht, 87, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014 at her home.

A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, November 5, 2014; 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Paul Warneke officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home with family present from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church or the YMCA.

Thalia was born August 25, 1927 to John and Mary Helen (Coon) Burns on a farm south of Heartwell, NE. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1945 and attended Hastings College. On August 14, 1949 she married LaMoine Utecht in Hastings. He preceded her in death May 15, 2002. They farmed near Hastings. For many years, she worked at the Jack and Jill grocery stores in Hastings. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings. She participated in women's Bible study and the choir in addition to many volunteer opportunities in the church. She was at one time president of the LWML at Peace Lutheran Church. She volunteered at the Hastings YMCA.

Thalia was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Twila Schomacker, Joann Rutherford; one brother, Barrows Burns; and one grandchild, Cassandra Hemje.

SURVIVORS:
Children & Spouses:
Carol Curry-Fisher (Jerry) - Hastings, NE
Nancy Elswick (Fred) - Bailey, CO
Julie Barnhill - Presho, SD
David Utecht (Joy) - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren:
Rich (Melanie) Curry - Hastings, NE
Lori (Mike) Davis - Lincoln, NE
Tara (Brad) Hemberger - Roseland, NE
Ryan Hemje - Baily, CO
Jake (Jill) Hoy-Elswick - Lincoln, NE
Hannah (Brett) Rottinghaus - Madison, WI
Christina (Anthony) Phillipson - Presho, SD
Emily Barnhill - Presho, SD
Angela (Dave) Eves - Presho, SD
Jocelyn Utecht - Hastings, NE
Geoff Utecht - Hastings, NE
Fourteen Great-grandchildren
Sister:
Mary Alice Spray - Aurora, NE
Sisters-in-law:
Jacqueline Green - Hastings, NE
Irene Utecht - Glenvil, NE
Coralee Howell - Grand Island, NE
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins