Obit: Shirley Jean Utz, 77, Ludington

Shirley Jean Utz age 77 of Ludington, MI passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 12, 1936 in Custer, MI. daughter of Arthur and Lillian (Edwards) Brickley. 

Shirley attended Ludington High School with the class of 1954 and married Carl J Utz on February 27, 1954 at St Mary’s Church in Custer.  She was a full time homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother.  Shirley was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing, watching sports on TV, especially all the Detroit teams, watching the carferry Badger, her hummingbirds, orioles and deer in her backyard.  But most of all she loved spending time with her family and having them all together for Friday night meals.

She is survived by her husband Carl, daughters: Joy (Rick) Jensen, Barb (Mark)Henrickson, Cheryl (Dave) Kronlein; sons: Carl (Deb) Utz, John Utz and Joe Utz (ColleenParkhurst), grandchildren: Jennifer Larson, Suzanna Larson, Trisha (Mike) Stadler, Amy (Mark) Londot, Daryl (Sarah) Larson, Ryan Utz, Raymond (RJ) Utz (Stephanie Sadler), Joseph Utz, and Braden Kronlein; great- grandchildren: Mercede Larson, Kaedyn and KendalLarson, Logan, Lucia and Levi Londot, Jack Pfeiffelmann, sister Ruby Schneider, sister-in-law JoAnn (Ron) Jabrocki, brother- in- laws, Jim (Nancy) Utz, John (Mary Beth) Utz, her close friend Arlene Compeau, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Lillian Brickley, sisters: Helen Daly, Bessie Schultz, Lois Billings and her brother: Alfred (Milo) Brickley.

A funeral mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday June 21, 2013 at St. Simon Church with Father Wayne Wheeler celebrant. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

Burial will take place at Pere Marquette Cemetery in Ludington.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Utz family or Hospice of Michigan. 

The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center with arrangements. Please visit Shirley’s personal web page at www.oakgrovefh.com