Gary W. Sethney

1942 - 2024

Owatonna - Gary "Seth" Wayne Sethney, 81, of Owatonna, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Timberdale Trace surrounded by family.

Gary "Seth" W. Sethney was born June 15, 1942, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Sander and LeVonne Sethney. He had an older brother Michael Sethney. He was raised in Elbow Lake, MN, and graduated from High School in 1960. Gary was very active in choir, band and local baseball teams. He played the tuba in a polka band called The Minnesota Dutchman and they played for many old-time dances in SW MN. He attended the University of Minnesota, Morris from 1960-1964 and then tried out for and became a member of the Army Band. He was in Germany for two years. Gary returned to finish college at UMM in January 1968 and graduated with a Business Degree in 1969. He Married Joan A. Stavenger on September 19, 1970. They moved to Grinnell, IA, where their two daughters were born. In 1980, they moved to Owatonna, MN, and Gary was employed by The King Company as Purchasing Manager for 19 years. Gary was very active with the Associated Church, Men's Bowling League, and Brooktree Golf Course. In 1999, Gary and Jo moved to Chaska, MN, where Gary was employed as Purchasing Manager for Mammoth, Inc. He retired in 2008. In 2009, after Jo retired, Gary and Jo built a home in Florence, AZ, where they resided for the winter months. During the summer, they lived on Barrett Lake in Barrett, MN, at a resort. They moved back to Owatonna September 2022 to be closer to family. Throughout his life Gary enjoyed fishing, bowling, traveling, watching the MN Twins, MN Vikings, MN Gophers, and spending time with family. He most enjoyed golfing - On Saturday July 20, 2013 he got a Hole in One on Elbow Lake Course - Tipsinah Mounds - Hole Number 6 - 188 yd Par 3.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Jo.

Gary is survived by, daughter Cathy (Chris) Harris of Owatonna; daughter Lisa (Randy) Martin of Slayton MN; three grandchildren, Tyler Harris, Alec Harris and Amber Martin; brother Mike (Charlene) Sethney of Owatonna; niece Kristi Sethney; and nephew Scott (Kari) Sethney and their sons Michael, David and Andrew.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11AM at Michaelson Funeral Home, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Chris Meester will be officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis for both Gary and Jo.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to: St. Croix Hospice, Red Cross, or Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course - Elbow Lake, MN.