HAROLD R. SETHNE, age 91, left this earthly world for his heavenly home on March 25, 2016. He passed away as peacefully as he lived, surrounded by his daughters.
Harold was born in Glasgow, Montana to Norwegian homesteaders Oscar and Clara (Nordrum) Sethne on August 9, 1924. His parents and siblings lived on his uncle Rangvald’s homestead in the Fuhrman community. In first grade he attended the North Fuhrman School and at age six his family moved to Glasgow. The family spent their weekends and summers at the farm. After graduating from Glasgow High School he attended college in Bozeman. As his father’s health declined he returned to the farm where he began his long career of tilling the land and consolidating family homesteads into the Sethne farm.
While a patient at the Glasgow hospital, he met a young nurse named Kathryn (Kitty) Sedlacek and on Oct. 12, 1947 she became his nurse, wife, and helpmate for life. They continued to farm and raised two daughters, Karen Dehn and Janet Gabriel. Their love for the land continued on to the next generation.
During the 70 years he operated the Sethne farm Harold served on the Glasgow hospital board, Valley County election board, and Lutheran Church committees. He was known as a trusted neighbor and loyal friend.
Harold and Kitty became Arizona snowbirds and golfers in 1972. These years in the warm sun produced close friends and fond memories. However, they always looked forward to returning to the farm to watch the grain grow and turn golden. After Kitty’s passing in 2000, Harold continued to winter in Mesa and return to the family farm until his 90th year.
In 2014 he relocated to Sheridan, Wyoming to be closer to family. The Green House Cottages in Sheridan became his new residence. He was always grateful for his family, the farm life, Arizona living and The Green House.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty, his parents Oscar and Clara, brothers Byron and Vernon Sethne, and his sister, Garnet Dahmer. He is survived by his daughters, Karen (Art) Dehn and Janet (Larne) Gabriel; grandchildren, Dr. Katie Dehn of Sheridan, Kari Dehn of Portland, Amy and Brynaea Gabriel of Washington, and Matt Gabriel of California; and two great granddaughters, Molly and Clara Kate Sheeley.
A service celebrating the life of Harold will be held at the First Lutheran Church of Glasgow on April 2nd at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, MT. Please make any donations to the Valley County Pioneer Museum.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday April 2, 2016
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, MT 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday April 2, 2016
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, MT 59230
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Deloris Fagan says
Harold and Kitty Sethne lived close neighbors in Montana to the Fagan family.
I will always treasure their kindness and thoughtfulness.
My sincere sympathy to Karen and Janet and families.
I enjoyed a visit with Harold a few years ago in Montana.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Harold’s family at this difficult time. I had the privilege of getting to know Harold ASI was one of his caregivers for the last five months. It was a pleasure to care for such a kind, considerate person. May God Bless you all.
Kindred Family says
We send our sincere condolences to your family for your loss of Harold. He touched the lives of others in a positive way and will be sadly missed but always dearly remembered.
Lani DeDobbeleer says
I have known Harold for a few years. It was a pleasure to see him return to the area of Glasgow each Spring. A very kind and gentle man! I bartended at the Gateway and Harold would stop in and have his one glass of wine and supper before he headed home. I then went to work at the Cotton Wood Inn and to my delight he would come in and have his one glass of wine and get supper before heading home. It was always so nice to visit with Harold. Such a nice man! I am so sorry for his families loss. He will be missed.
Sharon says
Your family has my deepest sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Well, I was thinking of something to say to ease the tremendous pain that your family is suffering. So I compiled this list of scriptures that is sure to bring you comfort in this difficult time: Psalms 55:22 Proverbs 3: 5 & 6; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; James 4:8; and Revelation 21:4. Be strong. Cherish the memories. May the peace of God be with your family always. And, please, remember to call upon his name found at Psalms 83:18
Jim Benepe says
I came to know Harold while visiting my uncle Tom Benepe who was in the room next door to Harold at Greenhouse Living in Sheridan. After reading his obituary I am not surprised to learn of his wonderful life and why he always perked up when I was talking about what was happening in the pro golf world.
I could tell he had a wonderful soul and I am glad that he is at peace now. May God watch over you all during this time of mourning and celebration of his life.
Lorraine Hughes says
Harold was one of my favorite patients from the first time I met him. He was a fabulous example of everything anyone would want in a friend and father. I appreciated his gentle ways, always so kind and positive. My deepest sympathies to all of you.