Gary John Alseth

1955 - 2024

Gary John Alseth was born October 20, 1955 in Beloit, Wisconsin. Gary graduated Beloit Turner High School and attended Iowa State University; then concluded a successful career with early retirement from his position at the State of Wisconsin.

Gary's life was filled with many volunteer activities, including being a firefighter/EMT for the Village of Footville, and many years with National Ski Patrol; however, his biggest involvement by far was with Luther Valley Lutheran Church where generations of his family have been members. Gary's plainspoken life philosophy and mellifluous voice could be heard on Luther Valley's 'Dial a Daily Word' ministry where his inspirational messages, always with a reference to the poetry of a favorite hymngave peace and spiritual comfort to many.

As a lifelong and devoted member of Luther Valley Church, Gary served in many roles: deacon, liturgist, and most dear to his heart and his lasting legacy, his decades-long ministry as choir director and organist. Gary began playing the organ at 14, revealing a talent for church music that led to over 45 years of music ministry. He directed the adult choir at Luther Valley, recruited, trained and directed musicians in the bell choir, and had a special gift for arranging music so that his choirs could perform with inspired sound. In his life-long love of music, Gary taught himself to play a many instruments including the harp, flute, guitar, keyboard and his greatest pleasure, the hammered dulcimer.

In recent years, Gary regularly spent much of his time making music with 'The Jug Band' which included his talented siblings and close friends. The pleasure he got from practicing together and occasionally performing before an audience was a source of great pride and joy for him. All who knew Gary knew how much music mattered in his life.

While a teenager, Gary began dealing with significant medical problems, the worst of which culminated in a kidney transplant. His sister Sue's gift of a kidney granted Gary twenty-five additional years of time with everyone. We will always be grateful to Sue.

The consequences of dealing with a multitude of medical challenges from a young age were clear in Gary's compassion and insightful life outlook. He was a loving and fun-loving uncle, gifting his nieces and nephews with adventures from backyard camping to cross-country vacations. And as great a gift as his music was, Gary's wit and humor were unmatched. His qualities endeared him to so many, and those great many will long suffer his absence from their lives, eased only by the knowledge of his faith and the lasting impact that his many gifts and talents leaves behind.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Leif and Jane (Jensen) Alseth, his brother Elif. He is survived by his wife Sue (Coyne), sisters Debbie and Sue Drevdahl (Duane), brothers Lester (Nancy) and Philip, many nieces, nephews, "greats" and cousins. Music was Gary's gift and he gifted others with his music. In lieu of flowers, a gift in Gary's memory may be made to the Parkview High School Music Department: https://parkview.revtrak.net/donations/

Visitation will be held 9am Sat., July 20 at Luther Valley Church, with services at 10am.