Orchard Lynn Utzinger

Orchard Lynn Utzinger, age 73, died on October 27th, 2024 of ALS. She is survived by Michael Utzinger, her husband of over 50 years, her two daughters, Corrina Beverung and Rachel Utzinger, Rachel’s partner Brad Ryss, grandchildren Isabel and Asher Beverung, and her sister Jean Marie Battistoni. She is also survived by many dear friends and relatives. Orchard was preceded in death by her parents Lydia and Gene Battistoni, and her grandparents Ernst and Amanda Miller, and Paulo and Rosina Battistoni.

Orchard was born on June 22, 1951, and grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. She was named after Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect, Illinois where her parents met. When she and Micheal got married in 1973, they embarked on a four week 1,200 mile bicycle trip from Urbana, Illinois to Storrs, Connecticut where Orchard went to graduate school. They were fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout their lives, living for short times in Indonesia, China, England, France, and Italy. She lived most of her life in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.

Orchard was able to do what she loved, bringing children and books together as a professional children’s librarian. Her hobbies included reading, painting, writing, gardening, and studying the Italian language. She was also a member of Kenwood United Methodist Church, and then Plymouth United Church of Christ.

After Orchard’s illness was diagnosed, her husband and daughters did everything they could to make her life more tolerable. They demonstrated true love and understanding and for this she was profoundly grateful. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and was proud of the good persons they are becoming. She was also thankful for Brad with his quiet sense of humor and mowing the grass. Her sister Jeanie was a constant in her life.

If desired, donations can be made to the ALS Foundation or to Plymouth United Church of Christ, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Private family burial to be followed by a celebration of Orchard’s life to be held in Wisconsin in Spring 2025.