Obituary: Kristine Kay Utgard

Kristine Kay Utgard, 73, passed away February 9, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. She was born October 17, 1952 in Portland, OR to Melvin Fredolf Ojala and Janette Adelene Westmoreland. She met the love of her life, Charles Dana Utgard, in middle school, and they were married August 31, 1974 in Portland, OR.

Shortly after, they both enlisted in the United States Air Force and were the first married couple to be kept together as they were stationed. They served together in the Vietnam Conflict and spent their first year of marriage stationed at Osan in South Korea.

Following the war, they were stationed at George Air Force Base in CA, where they fell in love with the High Desert.

While they moved back to Portland, OR for a time and Kristine worked at Mt. Hood Community College, they ultimately settled in Apple Valley, CA, and she began her career as Site Coordinator for Northrop-Grumman’s plant in Palmdale.

She later retired to Overton, NV with her family in 2013 where she was a faithful member of Lake Mead Baptist Church, and a loving friend to all who met her. She was genuinely kind, loved on everyone, and had the patience of a saint. She volunteered and attended many of the local rotary club events. She loved word jumbles and jigsaw puzzles. She loved her family dearly. She was an amazing co-pilot (literally) for Chuck and the most devoted cheerleader for her daughter, Dana.

Kristine is survived by her husband, Chuck Utgard; her daughter, Dana Utgard; her siblings: Gary (Karen) Ojala, Becky Ojala, and David (Debbie) Ojala; and her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Janette Ojala, and her sister Kathy Davidson.

The Graveside service will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:20 p.m. at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1900 S. Veterans Memorial, Boulder City, NV 89005. A Memorial Service will be held at the Lake Mead Baptist Church Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.