Michael Utley

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Born on August 16, 1960, to Eugene and Alice (Jeran) Utley, Mike lived a life defined by quiet strength, integrity, and loyalty. He was a simple man — dependable, hardworking, and steadfastly devoted to the people and traditions that mattered most to him. He never hesitated to help someone in need and always gave more than he took.

Mike was previously married to Brenda Reding, and together they welcomed the greatest joy of his life: his three sons, Kyle, Tanner, and Riley Utley. He wore the titles of “Dad” and “Grandpa” with immense pride. Nothing meant more to him than time spent with his children and his three grandchildren, Ariella, Athena, and Jagger. That same affection extended to his beloved bulldogs, Buster and Banks.

A man of remarkable work ethic, Mike took great pride in his work and dedicated more than 35 years of his career to Georgia-Pacific, where he earned a reputation as someone you could always count on. He was a man of few words, but he always had a perfectly timed one-liner to fit any moment — often delivered with a dry smile that said more than words ever could.

Outside of work, his passions were easy to identify. Game days revolved around the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Dallas Cowboys. His loyalty to his teams was unwavering — just like his loyalty to his family. Mike was also an exceptional cook, and his kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and connection.

In true Mike fashion, those wishing to honor his life are encouraged to attend in casual attire, preferably Iowa Hawkeye apparel if able, as a way to celebrate a man who never wavered in what — and who — he stood for.

Mike is survived by his sons, Kyle, Tanner, and Riley (Monique) Utley; his grandchildren, Ariella, Athena, and Jagger; and his siblings: Ron (Jeanette) Utley, Dennis (Barb) Utley, Doug (Kristen) Utley, Jessie Hendrickson, Tony Utley, Richard Utley, David Utley, Chuck (Angie) Utley, and Tommy Utley, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

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

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.