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.