August 20, 1930 – Sunday, October 25, 2015
Service Information
Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN
Thursday, October 29, 2015
11:00 AM
Visitation Information
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
5-8 PM
Lathan Thomas Utterberg, age 85 of Buffalo, MN passed away at his home on October 25, 2015. Funeral service on Thursday, October 29th at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN. Visitation on Wednesday from 5-8 PM at The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo & one hour prior to service at the church on Thursday. Interment Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Buffalo, MN.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Lathan was also an accomplished bridge player and a shark in the pool hall. Lathan worked for 58 years in the painting industry, the second of four generations in Local 386.
Preceded in death by his parents, Alexis & Hilma (Settergren) Utterberg.
Survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma (Borman) Utterberg of Buffalo, MN; children, Laurie (Reg) Sampson of Decorah, IA, Craig (Lisa) Utterberg of Buffalo, MN, Cary (Carla) Utterberg of Golden Valley, MN; grandchildren, Jarad, Adrienne (Pat), Jamie, Logan, Max & Sam; sister, Marlyss (George) Hopkins of Irving, TX.
I first met Lathan May 19, 2009 at the Maple Grove Senior Center for a bridge game. We meshed together very well. We were a regular partnership for the ensuing years, playing together 268 times for 7,058 hands. We won over 40% of the time and rarely were out of the money. He was an OUTSTANDING bridge player. More importantly, he was a kind and gentle person, a true gentleman and a very understanding partner, overlooking my mistakes. I will miss seeing him across the table on Tuesdays. Good bye my friend.
Utterberg Family; You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband, father, grandfather! I took care of Lathan when he was in Buffalo Hospital & he is a very sweet man!
We moved to Pulaski Lake Shores about the same time as the Utterbergs, and met Lathan as he was working on transforming some “Association” land into a softball field for the neighborhood. There were many fun evenings watching the ragtag PLSA team play local opponents at the airport field. Later there were many 4th of July celebrations at their home on the lake with endless good food, drink, and outdoor pool tournaments. At the current Utterberg home, the tournaments moved indoors, and players no longer had to allow for the wind. Along the way, Lathan taught Lowell the game of Bridge, which they enjoyed together for years. Many fun memories. Many ways Lathan will be missed.