Lorraine Ardyce Utech met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 29, 2025 surrounded by family. A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Flandreau, SD. The family will be present for visitation from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD.
She was born on August 3, 1942, to Theodore and Marlida Carlson in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. She had three siblings: Vivian, Roger, and Joyce. Her sisters were her best friends.
Lorraine’s father passed away when she was just seven years old. In 1950, her mother moved the family to Trent, where Lorraine attended school. During high school, she met and fell in love with Ronnie Utech, who had graduated in 1958. Lorraine graduated in the spring of 1960 and married her forever love on December 9, of that same year.
After marriage, Lorraine moved to the farm and quickly adapted to life as a farm wife. Ron taught her to drive; and, she earned her first driver’s license. She took on many tasks—helping with milking, raising lambs and bucket calves, hauling water to the sows, and learning to cook hearty farm meals.
Ron and Lorraine welcomed their first son, Dean, in January 1962, followed by Steven in July 1963. Life was busy with two young boys and the demands of farm life. They were later blessed with two more children—Gregory, in January 1967 and their daughter June, in April 1968.
The Utech family were active members of Messiah Lutheran Church in rural Flandreau, where Lorraine taught Sunday School, participated in Ladies Aid/WELCA, and generously baked countless cookies and bars, and made salads and potluck casseroles. Her faith in Jesus was unwavering and remained a cornerstone of her life.
In January 1980, Lorraine and Ron suffered the tragic loss of their son Dean to cancer. Though devastated, they leaned on their faith and the support of their family and community. Lorraine often visited Dean’s grave and took great care in maintaining the Oslo Cemetery, helping keep it tidy and funded for many years.
As her children grew older, Lorraine began working outside the home. She first ran a small grocery store in Trent, then worked at the Dells Bakery—often arriving so early it was still night. Later, she became a special education and lunchroom aide at the Flandreau School. When her children graduated high school, Lorraine began working at Casey’s making pizzas. In 1987, Ron and Lorraine moved off the farm and into Flandreau.
Later, they relocated to Dell Rapids, where Lorraine worked at Younkers in Sioux Falls. She loved her job and especially enjoyed shopping with her employee discount. In Dells she enjoyed volunteering, calling bingo, and having coffee with friends. She eventually joined Premier Bankcard, where she worked until her retirement.
Lorraine’s beloved husband, Ron, passed away in 2010. She never stopped loving her one and only.
Family always came first for Lorraine. Her first grandson was born in 1986, and more followed, with her youngest granddaughter arriving in 2004—ten grandchildren in total. Known lovingly as “Grandma Rain,” she was dearly cherished by all of them. She spoiled her grandkids mercilessly—much to her children’s amusement—never saying “no” and spending hours cooking, playing games, visiting parks, attending sporting events, and celebrating birthdays, graduations, showers, and weddings. Her home hosted many sleepovers with Grandpa Ron by her side.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Dean; her husband, Ronald; and sister-in-law’s, Aggie Carlson and Kathy Utech.
She is survived by her children: Steven (Darcy), Greg (Amy), and June Eng (Jeff); her grandchildren: Abby (Thomas) Bosma, Lexy (Isaac) Josephson, Scott (Tessa) Utech, Zach (Alyssa) Utech, Jordan (Rebecca) Utech, Josie Broders, Shelby Utech, Katie Utech, Matthew Eng, and Hannah Eng; and her great-grandchildren: Hayes Broders, Colton, Weston, and Brooklynn Utech, Brooks and Indy Josephson, and Baby Bosma (on her way).
She is also survived by her siblings: Vivian (Gerald) Haak, Roger Carlson, Joyce (Clarence) Rave, and many nieces and nephews.
