Ushering In Faith

 

Harvey Setter grew up in Redford, Michigan, near Detroit. After he was grown, Harvey enlisted in the United States Air Force. He met his wife, Betty, in Chicago. Quickly, they married and had two girls, Heidi and Robin. The Setters also lived in Florida, Germany, and Spain, with Harvey serving in Hawaii before he met Betty. Harvey attended school while serving in the Air Force and eventually received his degree from NMU while working full-time. He joked that it took him 23 years to graduate! 

After those 23 years of service, he retired as an E9 from KI Sawyer, but he didn’t stay retired. Harvey then went to work for Freedom Airlines, quickly transitioning to the Delta County Airport Manager, eventually taking on the parks. Harvey still consulted for airports for many years after he retired from that job. He would fly himself all over to do this work. 

Delta County was a homecoming for Harvey’s wife, Betty, as she was raised in the Rapid River area and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church. The Setter’s were married there as well. When they built their house in Gladstone, First Lutheran seemed like a good protestant choice for church.  Harvey connected with Pastor Ron Swanson, who didn’t hesitate to stop by to look for a cup of coffee. 

When the Setters found a comfortable community at First Lutheran, they jumped in to support and care for the church. Harvey served on the council, helping First Lutheran to walk through some difficult times, and he was a regular usher. Once in a while, he will still pinch hit, but he has mostly retired from that kind of service.

From starting their marriage living in a chicken coop to traveling all over the world, the Setters have some stories they can share, and they may even be able to speak them in several languages, too! In almost 60 years, they have done so much together. They are still snowbirds in the winter and have just headed south. 

We are thankful for their time with us at First Lutheran. Even though we only see them when it’s warm, we are glad that Harvey and Betty Setter find community with us. Harvey’s wisdom and kindness have helped us as a church over the years, and his service to our country is commendable.