Harold Earl (Hal) Utzinger Obituary
Harold Earl Utzinger was born in Duluth, MN on April 24, 1926 to Rev. Earl and Alma Utzinger. Harold's childhood was lived in several Minnesota communities where his father served as a pastor, including, Duluth, Waseca, St. Paul, and Brainerd. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1944 and entered the U.S. Navy for two years as a Hospital and Dental Corpsman.
Upon discharge from the Navy, he attended Brainerd Junior College and graduated in 1948. He then transferred to North Central College in Naperville, IL, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950. He continued his education for three additional years at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville and received a Master's Degree from that institution.
While in Seminary, he married Shirley Petersen of St. Paul. Harold and Shirley had two sons, Michael Earl and Mark Berton of whom they are very proud. Harold's first assignment upon graduation from Seminary was the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Preston, MN, where he served as pastor until he entered the U.S. Air Force Chaplaincy in 1955 for a three year tour of active duty.
As chaplain, he was assigned to Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA and Itazuke AFB, Fukuoka, JAPAN. Upon release from the Air Force, Harold was assigned to the EUB Churches in Eyota and Elmira, MN. In 1962, he transferred to the United Presbyterian denomination and accepted a call from three Welsh Presbyterian churches between New Ulm and Mankato called, Cambria, Jerusalem, and Carmel.
Three years later, the family moved to Marshall where Harold was pastor at Christ United Presbyterian Church for four years. A new state university was being built in Marshall at this time, so in July 1969, Harold accepted a full time position with the staff at what is not Southwest State University. He worked at SSU in the Admissions office and later in the Registration Office for 23 years, until his retirement in 1992.
In his spare time, he assisted many churches in the Marshall area as a supply pastor, including Milroy, Vesta, Wabasso, Tracy, Canby, Marshall, Russell and Wood Lake. He loved the church and was always willing to assist in its ministry when called upon. It was Harold's wish that upon his death his body be buried in Florida next to his beloved wife, Wanda June who he married on 7/10/1993.
Harold cherished the realization that his life would live on in the loving memories of his children, grandchildren, and friends. His life has returned to its source, in joyful anticipation of life with his Heavenly Father and the Father's welcome, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" He wanted to thank all of you, his loved ones and friends who contributed so much and in so many ways to the fullness of his life.
May the good Lord bless and keep you all!
