Ronald W. Uttecht, 80, of Birnamwood, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Rennes Health and Rehab, Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Ron was born Oct. 10, 1945, in Wausau, the son of William and Sarah (Diestler) Uttecht.
Ron was a 1963 graduate of Birnamwood High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965-67. In 2017, Ron had the honor of participating in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, an experience he deeply cherished.
On June 14, 1969, Ron was united in marriage to Darlene Schmidt in Birnamwood. She preceded him in death June 24, 2014.
Following his military service, Ron worked in construction for 12 years and then dedicated 26 years to tile work, employed by Wausau Tile, Birnamwood Tile and Resch’s Tile. Although he retired early at the age of 55, Ron remained active and hardworking.
He enjoyed spending time in the woods and took great pride in helping his children build homes. Ron loved hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He had a fondness for chocolate and Diet Coke and was always one to give people a hard time.
Ron is survived by three children, Jeannie (Dan) Larson, Christy Barden and John (Sara) Uttecht; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Olivia, Jackson, Gracyn and Ashlyn; siblings, Suzanne Schmidt, Carol Schmidt and Sandra (Ronnie) Stillman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; parents; son-in-law, Shannon Barden; brother, James, in infancy; brothers-in-law, Milton Schmidt and Edward Schmidt.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Church of the Nazarene, Mattoon. The Rev. Bill L. Jones will preside. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Town of Almon, in the spring. Visitation will be on Saturday from noon until the time of service at the church. Following the funeral service, military rites will take place in the church parking lot, conducted by Darling-Gunderson Post 341, American Legion.
Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The family encourages those attending the service to wear flannel or plaid in Ron’s honor. Any memorial donations received by the family will be donated to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight organization.
