Donald Roy Setterberg, Lt Col, USAF, Retired; died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 11, 2020 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at the age of 86 years. He was a Christian, a devoted husband of 63 years and a father. Don is survived by his Wife, LoRaine Lou Allen Setterberg, Son, Bruce (Jennifer) Setterberg of North Carolina and Grandson, Draven Setterberg; Son, Brian Donald Setterberg of Florida; Brothers, Michael (Linda) Setterberg of Alaska and their children; Ralph (Sharon) Setterberg of Washington and their children and many cousins. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Margaret M. Stanley Setterberg of Washington; Sister Leona Jean Setterberg of North Dakota. Don was born On 27 July 1933 in Barnesville, Minnesota to Peter and Margaret Setterberg.
Don graduated from Barnesville High School, Barnesville, Minnesota in 1951. Married LoRaine Lou Allen on the 12th of June 1957. He enlisted in the USAF as an Airman Basic, accepting a commission as a USAF 2nd Lieutenant in January 1954 to become a navigator, flying with the 4252nd Strategic Wing (SAC), "The Young Tigers"; 97th Air Refueling Squadron, "The Gas Passers" and finishing his flying career with the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron whose motto is, "These Things We Do That Others May Live". Several overseas assignments including Korea, Easter Island and a 2+ year hardship stay at Kindley Air Force Station, Bermuda with the family and finally ending up and retiring at Eglin AFB, Florida on 1 January 1972 with over 20 years of service. He graduated from the University of West Florida in 1974 with a degree in Accounting, an MBA in 1974 and a Masters Degree from Troy University in 1979. Don taught small business development classes at the University of West Florida and worked at the University of West Florida Small Business Development Center. Later becoming a Federal Civilian at Eglin AFB and found his way to become Eglin's Air Space Manager and retired from that position on 1 April 2002 with over 23 years of service.
Don was a believer in Jesus Christ and this was his main focus, everything he did was to glorify God. At every duty station he always found a church to worship and fellowship with. He was active in his local church, First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He served in many positions within the church to include but not limited to: Sunday School teacher, Sunday School officer, Deacon and worked on the Finance Committee. He was a strong believer in missions and therefore went on many mission trips, some close and some far away. Don always liked going to Alaska, me made several trips to visit and support the church in Togiak, Alaska. He worked at church sponsored events to include Farm Day in Defuniak Springs, Florida and the Church's Live Nativity every Christmas.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, 25th July 2020 at First Baptist Church, 21 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida; with a reception to follow at the church. Reverend Clint Akins will officiate the Ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Don Setterberg's life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to First Baptist Church attn: Missions at 21 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida or at the church's web site; fbcfwb.org
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