Edward Joseph Utities

Edward Joseph Utities December 31, 1946 – February 14, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edward Joseph Utities, age 78, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital on February 14, 2025. Born on December 31, 1946, in Ashland, WI, to Joseph and Violet Utities.

Ed was a proud graduate of Ashland High School, where his athleticism made him a top player on the basketball and tennis courts, but it was his wit and humor that left a lasting impression on his classmates. His fond memories of his grandmother telling him, “Don’t shoot the ball unless you’re sure it’s going in,” was a story that he would share even 60 years later. He was also involved in the Ashland Tennis Club, where he continued pursuing mastery of the game while being a teacher to those that could withstand his sense of humor.

After high school, Ed earned his bachelor’s degree from Northland College in 1970 and went on to receive a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin – Superior. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran, where he proudly served with the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado. Following his military service, Ed dedicated his career to supporting fellow veterans, working as a Veterans Counselor and Supervisor of the WISVET Outreach Program with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. He also became a tireless advocate for veterans, serving on the board of the Wisconsin Association of Concerned Veterans Organizations (WACVO).

In 1994, Ed took a calculated risk and founded his own consulting firm, Utities Rehabilitation Services, where he worked as a Vocational Expert, providing invaluable testimony to local attorneys and judges within the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. His dedication to helping others was the hallmark of his career.

Outside of his professional life, Ed found daily joy in life’s simple pleasures. He found great happiness in swing dancing, downhill skiing, cheering on the Packers, beating his friends in Cribbage, and especially in his remarkable talent for gardening.

But beyond all these accomplishments, it was his role as a father and grandfather that meant the most to him. Known lovingly as “Papa Ed” by his grandchildren, he was a proud father and a cherished grandfather. Ed would tell all he knew just how proud he was of his family. He is survived by his sons Robert and Jacob Utities and his grandchildren Leah, Joseph, Elora, and Ezra.

Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM with a time of sharing at 11:30 AM on Friday, March 28, at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. A burial service with Military Honors will take place immediately following at 1:00 PM at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.

The family invites you to reach out with your memories, stories, and condolences by emailing Jacob at jutities@gmail.com