Joe Sigitas Utara, 85, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Presbyterian Rust Hospital after a short fight with cancer.   He was born near Vilkaviskis, Lithuania January 6, 1937.  His parents were the late Charles Utara formerly of Vilkaviskis, Lithuania and the late Ona Utara formerly of Melrose Park, IL.  He was also proceeded in death by brothers, Peter of Melrose Park, Il, Gus of Clinton, IA, Victor of Chicago/ Topeka/ Rio Rancho, NM; 3 nephews, John, Peter Jr. and Raymond all of Chicago, IL and a niece, Kazi Elrich of River Forest, IL.

Joe immigrated from Lithuania via Germany in 1949 and became a United States citizen.  He served as a photographer in the United States Air Force at Forbes Air Forbes Base, Topeka, KS. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad as a Computer Operator and Supervisor until 1989 when he retired.  Joe and his wife, Vera, moved from Topeka, KS to Rio Rancho, NM in 2008.

He was an active member of St John Vianney Catholic Church, Rio Rancho.  He served as a hospital EM at his former church, St Matthews Catholic Church in Topeka, KS. He was dedicated husband and provider.

He married Vera Elsie Zacharias on August 18, 1972 in Topeka, KS. They celebrated over 49 years of marriage. She survives of the home.

Joe was cremated. Graveside Memorial Service and Inurnment will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022 at the Denison Cemetery, Denison, KS. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022 with Mass to follow at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Rio Rancho, NM. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of local arrangements.