Elva Dale Uthmann's Obituary
Elva Dale Uthmann, 85, passed away March 2, 2015. He was born in Chanute on March 12, 1929, to Frederick Charles and Pearl (Armstrong) Uthmann. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1947 and attended Zion Lutheran Church as a youth. Elva served 2 years in the U.S. Army, with his assignment in Korea. Prior to and after his service, Elva worked in the oil field industry and farmed. On May 17, 1963, Elva married Evelyn J. Spurrier and made their home east of Chanute. From 1970 – 1985, he was a dairy farmer. After his retirement from dairy farming, Elva worked 9 years for Neosho County Community College in the maintenance department, then went on to work part-time for the VFW.
Throughout his adulthood, Elva was known as a farmer and gardener. Many people knew him for growing watermelons and for the generosity he showed in sharing his garden produce. His altruistic ways were also evident through his many charitable causes, including the establishment of the Elva and Evelyn Uthmann scholarship fund at NCCC. Elva also enjoyed country music and was a lifetime member of the American Legion as well as the VFW.
Elva was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers: Walter Uthmann, Fred Uthmann and George Uthmann; and sisters: Ella Uthmann Kepley and Leora Uthmann Dennis.
He is survived by his 13 nieces and nephews: Richard “Dick” Uthmann of Longview, Washington, Bill Uthmann of Pasco, Washington, George Calvin Uthmann of Oklahoma City, OK, Marlene Kepley Swaney of Chanute, Wayne Kepley of Wichita, KS, Beverly Dennis Hole of Chanute, Betty Dennis Sawvell of Seneca, MO, Larry Dennis of Chanute, Loren Dennis of Chanute, Bonnie Dennis Townsend of Chanute, Marlon Spurrier of Chanute, Elaine Colvin of Chanute and Marshall Spurrier of Joplin, MO.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2015 from 5-7 p.m., at Countryside Funeral Home-Gibson Chapel on 16 N. Forest in Chanute. Graveside services for Elva are planned for Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas. The Chanute American Legion Honor Guard will be in charge of Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Elva & Evelyn Uthmann scholarship fund at NCCC or American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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