Wendell Setterberg

Wendell Setterberg, of Setterberg Jewelers in Sun City, passed away November 22nd in Prescott, AZ at age 89.Wendell was born on March 11, 1928 to Walter and Signe Setterberg near Forest City, MN. Wendell excelled in sports and graduated from Cokato High School in 1946.Following in his father's footsteps, he learned the watchmaking and jewelry trades along with brothers Irving and Roger. All three owned jewelry stores in Minnesota.Irving Setterberg and Paul Johnson became business partners in Arizona which resulted in the first Setterberg Jewelers in Sun City in 1968. Together, Wendell and Irving opened Setterberg Jewelers in Campana Square in 1981 and Wendell continued his gemological training. He earned the prestigious titles of Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Appraiser. Wendell loved the business and meeting customers. He enjoyed over fifty years in the jewelry business and was involved in seven successful Setterberg Jewelers over his lifetime. Today the fourth generation is at the helm of Setterberg Jewelers in Sun City with owners Michael and Kymberlee Setterberg. Betty Setterberg-Barnes and Rick Setterberg continue to greet customers there as well. Wendell was so proud of his family's business which began in 1925!Wendell served in the Merchant Marines and the Naval Air Reserve in his early years. His outside interests were hunting, flying, and fishing. He was a member of the Rotary Club, the Sun City Pilots Club, two bank boards, and the Lutheran Church.Survivors include Wendell's wife of 67 years Lois, daughter Susie and her husband Tom Hafner of Prescott, AZ. Siblings are Betty Setterberg-Barnes, Mariann Dickinson, and Roger (Shirley) Setterberg. Many nieces, nephews (including Rick Setterberg), and other relatives also mourn his passing.A celebration of Wendell Setterberg's life will be at 1pm January 5th at the American Lutheran Church in Prescott. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Heritage Memory Mortuary.May God bless Wendell's memory.