John “Yoo Hoo!” Utne was born in San Francisco to Helge & Agnes Utne. He was a Boy Scout and worked his way up to Eagle Scout. After attending Polytechnic High School, he went on to attend San Francisco City College and Golden Gate University earning a BA in business management. While at San Francisco City College, John enlisted in the Army Reserve. After college, he worked for McCormick & Company and later Gilroy Foods. John obtained his contractor license after moving from the Bay Area, and later started his business Midnight Sun Construction where he was a building inspector on schools and hospitals.
John was always very active. He raced cars and boats, waterskied, participated in many marathons and triathlons in multiple countries. He played golf, tennis and soccer on an adult soccer team. He had a love of dancing and met his wife, Karen, square dancing. He was a Mason, a Shriner, member of the Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Jesters, Order of the Eastern Star, the Oakdale Saddle Club, Sons of Norway, and a Clamper. He walked many parades as a clown with the Shriners.
John is survived by his wife Karen of 40 years, daughters Katherine Weller of Martinez, CA and Lisa Roberts of Lakewood, WA, son David Utne (Joanna) of Concord, CA, stepdaughters Diana Castino of Ada, OK and Jennifer Ross Harris (Alan) of Granite Bay, CA, stepson Robert Berryhill of AR, 16 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, nephews and his beloved dog Teddy. John is preceded in death by his parents Helge and Agnes, sister Elna MacArthur, son Stephen Utne, and nephew Craig “Cowboy” MacArthur.
A celebration of life will be held on October 9, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Saddle Club clubhouse at the Oakdale Rodeo Grounds, 1624 E F Street, Oakdale, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in memory of John Utne.
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