Charles Utter

MIDDLETON-Charles Baylis Utter, age 91, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015.  He was born in Madison on Dec. 27, 1923, the son of Abbott and Rose (Baylis) Utter, and was a lifelong resident of Middleton.  He graduated from Middleton High School class of 1941 and attended Madison Business College before entering the U.S. Army.  He served in World War II, stationed in Africa and Italy.  Charlie was discharged in Nov. 1945 as a Corporal, Antitank Company in the 363rd Infantry.  He married Carol Jean Bischoff on Oct. 31, 1946.  Charlie, along with his father and brother, operated the family-owned Middleton Lumber Company which they sold in 1967.  He then worked for Gruber Furniture until his retirement in 1985.  Charlie worked with the Middleton Fire Department for 20 years and Middleton EMS for 30 years.  He was and is a charter member of the Middleton EMS and VFW Club Post 8260.  He enjoyed all the "kids" on his school bus route which he drove 33 years.  In 2013, he enjoyed traveling to Washington D.C. with the Badger Honor Flight. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed traveling, golfing, and going to all the events of his grandchildren.  Survivors include his wife, Carol; two sons, Larry (Nancy), Boulder, Colo., and Kenneth (Sandy) of Middleton; two grandchildren, Allison Frohne and Ian Utter; sisters-in-law, Germaine Utter and Ilene Bischoff; a brother-in-law, Ernest (Yvonne) Bischoff; and many nieces and nephews.  Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patricia Bolen; grandson, Nathan Utter; twin brother, James; and sister, Ruth Close.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept., 3, 2015.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept., 2, 2015 and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Charlie's family would like to thank all the staff at Heritage House and Agrace HospiceCare who helped care for Charlie during his illness.  He always put his family first and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Badger Honor Flight.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.