Gerald "Jeff" Kenneth Utz

Gerald Kenneth Utz, also known as Jeff to those in Idaho and Jerry to family in Missouri was born April 11, 1934 in St Cloud, Minnesota to Gordon & Cecelia Utz. Jeff died July 6, 2024 of Alzheimer’s related causes in the loving home care of his companion, Brenda Carver.

We remember him for his dashing smile, quick laugh and prevailing sense of humor throughout his life.  He loved fiercely and cared deeply for the people in his life – God, his country, Brenda, siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many pets.   He never missed a family event and was always ready to celebrate and give steady support.  He was a hard worker and never failed to jump in and help at a moment’s notice.  Jeff was the owner of Utz Petroleum Equipment and was proud to have installed the first electric gas pump in Boise.

His passions included farming alfalfa and Golden Jubilee sweet corn.  He loved water and snow skiing, the Seattle Seahawks and attending the Yotes home basketball games. 

He is survived by daughters Laura Owen and Sarah Del Degan.  Grandchildren Nicole, Mason, Nick, Paris, Jacob and Isaiah. Great grandchildren Dakota, Xander, Tristan, Solomon and Arinnia.  Siblings: Virginia, Bob, Tom and Carol.

Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes out to the expert teams of professionals from the VA HBHC Foster Home Program and First Choice Hospice. They made this process unexpectedly beautiful, full of love and peace in partnering with us to honor this exceptional man’s life.  Jeff was one of a kind.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the DAV.  The service will be held July 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise.  There will be a reception following at the Caldwell Idaho Elks Lodge No. 1448 - 1015 N Kimball Ave.