Geraldine “Gg” Utech

Geraldine “GG” Utech passed away on March 7, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida.  She was born on February 26, 1932 to Dorothy and Norbert Gompper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She grew up with 5 siblings and graduated from South Milwaukee High School. GG met her husband, James Utech, in Milwaukee and they were married in 1952. James served in the United States Coast Guard from 1950 – 1970. During those 20 years they were stationed in Wisconsin, Hawaii, Illinois, New York and Florida. In 1960 they were stationed in Miami, Florida and then moved to Jacksonville in 1965 and joined Holy Cross Lutheran Church. GG dedicated the majority of her time to her family; however, she did hold several retail jobs over the years. After her husband retired from the USCG they started their own business, Utech Painting. They ran the family business for many years and later in life their children took over. In her later years, GG spent a great deal of time supervising her daughter, Karen, in the kitchen baking sweet treats. She was Karen’s number one taste tester! GG always looked forward to phone calls or “special visits” from family, which would sometimes include thrift store trips or lunch dates. Then she would end her day enjoying a cup of coffee with her daughter Cindy.

GG will be remembered first and foremost for her love of her family and friends. Second, would be her love of books. A day didn’t pass without her spending time reading one of her many books. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors in her garden watching the butterflies and her flowers bloom, puzzles, chocolate and her cats.

GG was proceeded in death by: Dorothy and Norbert Gompper (parents), Ricky Utech (son), James Utech (husband), Donald Pfeiffer and Dave Pierson (brother in-laws), Danny Parrott (son in-law), Rob Utech (grandson), Barbara Utech (daughter in-law) and Jack Cathy (longtime family friend).

GG is survived by her brothers: Ralph (Bernice) Gompper, Brion (Debbie) Gompper; sisters: Barbara Pfeiffer, Sharon Pierson, Norette (Willie) Wilkowsky; sons: Jimmy (Debbie), Kevin and Rob Utech; daughters: Cindy Shepherd and Karen Parrott; grandchildren: Jessica, Jeffrey, Todd (Sarah), Nancy, Tymber, Michael, Michelle (Dave) Gilberto, Rae Swafford, Winston Parrott and Amber (Matt) Schrock; great grandchildren: Hailey, Kathryn, Autumn, Tyler, Caleb, Sidney, DJ, Aria, Heaven, Hope, Faith, Cali, Elijah, Ezra and Noah; and loving friends that were like family: Pat and Linda Gilberto, Miss Bert, Miss Grace, Miss Darlene, Mary Cathy, Zeke and Lucy Magee; and loyal pet Iceiss.

A celebration of life will be held in April, possibly at Rob’s Memorial Garden in Middleburg.  Once the location and date has been decided upon a social media post will be made and family notified.

We were her Earthly Angels and now she is our Heavenly Angel. May you rest in peace, watch over us, protect us and provide us with the strength to carry on.