John was a great guy, a friend to anyone he met and a great business man. I met him a number of years ago through mutual friends and went to John to help with my finances. He did a great job for me at a time when I need smart financial advise. He was never pushy but offered great suggestions and helped me to get where I wanted to be. I did not get to spend a lot of time with John over the years, but when I did he was always generous, funny outgoing guy. He will be missed and Edie and I were sorry we missed his service. my ccondolenses to the family and friends. The picture is great and it says everything. Joe Hines
Joseph Michael Hines
December 12, 2025
No words I can write could ever adequately express what a good friend John was to me. I first got to know him in the 90s, when EBS administered our benefits package while I was working at Parsons technology. Our interactions were very frequent. Then I got to know John personally, And he was as warm and friendly and encouraging as could be. I’m sorry to say that I hadn’t seen him recently. I did not know he was sick. I about fell off my chair when I saw his obituary. My sympathy to all of his family. We have lost a really great, great guy.
Craig Schulte
December 12, 2025
Sending our prayers and condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed.
Angie Starks
December 11, 2025
John came to fish with me for the first time in 2016 and was a frequent visitor in my boat. We hit it off immediately and over the last 9 years became good friends. John was a really smart guy and was always upbeat and quick witted, truly fun to spend a day on the water with. He frequently called back home while with me in Red Wing to check on Val and the folks at the office. Val, we have never met but shared greeting on the phone a few times while you and John spoke. Please know that you and all involved are and have been in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply saddened by his death.
Marty Hahn
December 11, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. John was a very kind person. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Deena and Kevin Ollinger
December 11, 2025
Sending prayers and my deepest sympathies to the Utter family. Peace be with you.
Lois Hand-Miller
December 11, 2025
John was a part of our group of guys, one from Arkansas and one from Iowa who for years shared group duck and pheasant hunting experiences. John joined our group late, but proved to be outstanding in every way as a sportsman and friend. We will all cherish our memories with John and remember him as the “great guy” he was. Truly sad to lose him so young. Condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Doug Calloway
December 11, 2025
Sending prayers and my deepest sympathies to the Utter family. Peace be with you.
Lois Hand-Miller
December 11, 2025
Wally and I send our most heartfelt condolences. Valerie, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia Guardiola Hamilton
December 10, 2025
Val- Please know that Kim and I are thinking of you during this difficult time. John became like an older brother to me. I loved his advice, positivity and guidance. We had many great talks- and a few times, I had myself convinced I could drink one -for-one by his side. Boy, was I wrong.
John was an incredibly generous and proper man- always the first offer to pick up a tab, always one to take good care of those who served him and always the first to make sure everyone at the table had a proper introduction.
He would often tell me a hunting or fish trip story- and then follow it up with an invite on his next trip so I could share in the experience. Boy- I sure wish I would've taken him up on a few of those offers now.
May God bless John with eternal life. I have no doubt he is watching over us- hanging out with his father and telling a good story. His void on earth will be felt for a long time, although he left many great memories for us to share and reflect on.
I wish you strength as you grieve and hope you know he left you an army of brothers who will help you out in any way we can.
God Bless you!
- Clay
Clayton Parks
December 10, 2025
I was shocked and saddened to read of John’s death! I hadn’t seen him for a time so didn’t know he was ill. I knew him professionally and personally for many years. He was a truly nice man with a genuine smile and personality; he was fun to be around. I will treasure my memories of him and to his family please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dr. John Wollner
John Wollner
December 10, 2025
We’re sending our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you all. Carmen, Julie and Nicole McGriff
Nicole McGriff Olson
December 9, 2025
John and I met at orientation before starting our freshman year at Iowa. John was a supportive friend and we enjoyed many conversations and discussions about life, sports and hunting. Always loved hunting with John when I was able and his dogs were always well trained and cared for. John was very helpful to me when I had challenges in my life and I will always remember him for his friendship, kindness and compassion. Rest in peace my friend and thank you for being John, you will be sorely missed by so many people. You enjoyed a life well lived thank you for being my dear friend!
Rick Wachal
December 8, 2025
So many hunting trips, so many great cocktails, boating and much more.
It was always your great labs, my shorthairs the pheasants didn't stand a chance.
This is so hard to say goodbye my friend but no doubt u will always be remembered. RIP
Russ Kramer
December 8, 2025
It is hard to grasp the fact that John has passed. My thoughts and prayers are with Johns personal family, work family and many, many friends......He was truly one of a kind with a heart of gold, easy to talk to and would do anything for you. He is already dearly missed.
Denise Boxwell
December 8, 2025
I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you, Val, as well as the rest of the office and John's family. Prayers to you all.
Erica Rausch
December 8, 2025
I am so very, very sorry about the passing of John! I can't find the words to express my feelings for your loss. Honestly, I am in a state of shock, since I didn't know he was ill. John was wonderful and very important to all of my family members (Jack, Kathy, & Mitch McArtor and my Uncle Butch Evans and me! We all loved him and he was part of our family. When I lost my mom, dad, brother and Uncle Butch, John was right there for me. I don't know what I would have done without him! He was so helpful, supportive and made sure I knew he was there for me and I was not alone! I honestly can't believe that he was battling leukemia, like both my mom and brother did. I am so upset about not being able to see each family member and give personal condolences. I am not able to make the trip from Illinois this week. Thank you for the opportunity to attend via video. Please accept my heartfelt condolences! The only comfort I can find right now is that I know that my family was right there to greet him in Heaven. Jackie McArtor Hernandez
Jackie (McArtor) Hernandez
December 7, 2025
Our most sincere condolences to Val and the family. John was a great person and will be dearly missed by anyone that was lucky enough to know him.
Erik and Becky Munson
December 7, 2025
I am sorry for the loss of John, he was a great friend, mentor and a big brother to me. I will miss our lunches and great conversations on every subject under the sun. God truly gained a great man that will be missed by all who knew him. Val we are sending prayers to you and your family. We love you guys. Jim and Linda Waite.
Jim & Linda Waite
December 7, 2025
Thanks for the memories ♡.
Thoughts and prayers to friends and family..
Scott McMurrin
December 7, 2025