Joe Utley

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM that same day at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.

Joe was born on August 31, 1952, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He spent more than 30 years in the auto detailing industry, working for several local car dealerships before opening his own business, Utley Auto Detail and Touchup, in 1998. Later, he accepted a position with Fort Dodge Ford as the reconditioning manager. Joe’s talent and passion for auto detailing were recognized by many throughout the community.

Joe was an avid sports fan who loved the New York Yankees, Chicago Bears, Iowa State Cyclones, and NASCAR–especially Dale Earnhardt (#3). He also enjoyed bowling, golf, darts, and softball in his younger years, and was known to hold his own in any game of trivia. His love for music, particularly his admiration of Jimi Hendrix, inspired him to learn to play electric guitar.

Joe will be remembered for his sharp wit, memorable one�’liners, and the sense of humor he shared so freely with others.

He is survived by his siblings: Ron (Jeanette) Utley, Dennis (Barb) Utley, Doug (Kristen) Utley, Jessie Hendrickson, Tony Utley, Mike Utley, Richard Utley, David Utley, Chuck (Angie) Utley, and Tommy Utley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Alice (Jeran) Utley, and siblings Georgene Brighi, Robert “Bobby” Utley, Eugene “Gene” Utley, Bev Wilson, Bea Matter, Mary Schmoker, Kay Neavin, and Barbara Tjebben.