Kathleen Amelia Sethre

Kathleen Amelia Sethre, 86, of Fergus Falls, died peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Kathleen Amelia Sethre was born on September 23, 1940, at her family home in Willow River, Minnesota, to Henry J. Orvedahl and JoAnn Marie (Schumacher) Orvedahl.

Kathleen graduated from Fairmount High School in Fairmount, North Dakota, in 1958. She continued her education at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, North Dakota, completing her secretarial studies in 1959.

On August 18, 1962, Kathleen married Russel Alfred Sethre. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage before Russel’s passing on March 17, 2020. Throughout their years together, they built a life centered around family and were blessed with three children: Christopher Russel, Chadwick James, and Jennifer Marie.

Kathleen and Russel made their homes in several Minnesota communities, including Chisago City, Campbell, New Munich, Ashby, Moorhead, Red Lake Falls, Clinton, and Fergus Falls. Kathleen spent 22 years in Fergus Falls.

Throughout her life, Kathleen held a variety of secretarial and administrative positions. She began her career in 1959, working in a dental office and later at the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce. Her career also included positions at the YWCA and Rayette Inc. in Minneapolis, Wahpeton High School, the University of North Dakota, where she worked for the Dean of Schools, and Saint John’s University, where she worked as a secretary and librarian. Along with her professional accomplishments, Kathleen devoted many years to being a homemaker and caring for her family.

Kathleen was a quiet person who deeply loved and adored her family. She found happiness in the simple things in life, especially visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These visits meant so much to her, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.

She enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, Bingo, crocheting, painting, and ceramics. Kathleen also loved baking her famous brownies and lemon cake for her family, treats that became cherished family favorites. Her homemade desserts were one of the many ways she shared her love with those closest to her.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Chadwick James Sethre of Ashby, Minnesota; her daughter, Jennifer Marie Sethre of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Brandon (Kendal) Sethre, Alisha (Tyson) Abbott, and Cassandra (Kristie-Lee) Jordan; her great-grandchildren, Quinn Sethre and Peyton Sethre; her brother, John (JoAnn) Orvedahl; her brother-in-law, LeRoy Sethre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russel Alfred Sethre (March 17, 2020); her son, Christopher Russel Sethre; her parents, Henry J. Orvedahl and JoAnn Marie Orvedahl; her stepfather, Reynold “Nino” Hammerquist; her brother, Bob Orvedahl; her sisters, Gloria (Delano) Wawers and Mary Cunningham; her brother-in-law, Harvey Brause; her sisters-in-law, Joyce Brause and Julie Sethre; and her grandparents, James and Amelia Grothe and Eva Schumacher.

Kathleen will be remembered for her quiet nature, her love and devotion to her family, and the happiness she found in spending time with those closest to her. Though she was a woman of few words, the love she had for her family spoke volumes. Her memory will live on through the family she cherished, the traditions she shared, and the many special moments spent together.

In accordance with Kathleen’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Memorials may be directed to the ALF (Ashby Legacy Fund) in Ashby, Minnesota, in her memory. For more information, visit ashbylegacyfund.org.