Edward "Ed" Erwin Utech

Ed was born on December 3, 1949, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Erwin John Utech and Loretta Mae Utech. The oldest of four children, he grew up on the East Side of Saint Paul and graduated from Harding High School in 1966. He later attended Saint Paul Vocational Technical Institute, where he trained to become an electrician.

In March 1969, Ed married Sheila Ann Tereau. During their nine years of marriage, they welcomed two children, Denise Sue Utech and David Robert Utech. In 1985, Ed married Shirley, and together they blended their families to include Minda Salo, Onnie Salo, and Lenny Salo. Ed remained in the Center City, Lindstrom, and Shafer area for the rest of his life.

Ed worked as an electrician for many years. He was known for being hardworking, dependable, generous, and knowledgeable. There seemed to be very little he could not understand, repair, or figure out once he set his mind to it.

Outside of work, Ed enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and doing auto body work. He also had a paper route that he took great pride in. He loved receiving notes and cards from his customers, and everyone knew when Ed had not completed the route because no one else did it with quite the same enthusiasm, care, and attention to detail.

Those who knew Ed will remember his caring and generous spirit. He freely gave his time, his gifts, and his love to the people around him. He would quite literally give someone the shirt off his back. Ed cared deeply about how others felt, was always willing to help, and was one of the greatest champions a person could have.

Ed is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Denise (Marcus) Utech-Pratt, and Carly Crowell; his stepchildren, Minda (Bobby) Schleicher and their children, John, Matthew, Luke, and Mark; Onnie Salo and children, Aidan, Onnie, and Calvin; and Lenny (Lindsay) Salo and their children, Nathan and Noah.

His grandchildren also remember him: Derek (Misty) Johnsen and their children, Alaina and Aiden; Amanda Utech; and Alexander Utech; his brothers, Michael (Joyce) Utech and E.J. (April) Utech; his aunt, Linda (John) Elliot; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin Utech and Loretta Johnson; his wife, Shirley Utech; his sons, Rodney "Brian" Johnsen and David (Emily) Utech; his grandson, Joseph “Joey” Huot; his sister, Deborah Gisher; his grandmother, Anna Dusterholf; his beloved grandfather, “Bugum” Anderson; and many other family members and dear friends.

Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Ed has gone home to be with his Heavenly Father. His life was a blessing; his memory will remain a treasure, and the love he gave will continue to live in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’”

— John 11:25 (NIV)

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Eagle Brook Church’s Maplewood campus, located at 2220 Edgerton Street, Maplewood, MN 55117.

Visitation will be held for one hour before the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to remain after the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments at Eagle Brook Church’s Maplewood campus.