Earl "Butch" T. Setchfield, born on August 5, 1941, in Saint Louis City, Missouri, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on May 31, 2025, in Saint Louis, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones. Earl dedicated a remarkable 37 years of his career to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper, where he formed invaluable friendships with his coworkers, cultivating bonds that would last a lifetime.
An alumni of St. Mary's High School, Earl found joy in many pursuits throughout his life. He had a profound love for fishing, cherishing memorable trips to the Ozarks, a pastime that brought him much joy and relaxation. Earl was also known for his intellectual curiosity, often indulging in a good book or wrestling with crossword puzzles—a challenge he navigated with skill. His affinity for card games allowed him to share special moments and laughter with friends and his beloved sisters.
Earl was known for his unwavering devotion to his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores (nee Lampe) Setchfield, whom he first met at Holy Family grade school. Together, they explored the world, creating a lifetime filled with cherished memories and special stories. Their enduring love was an inspiration to their children and grandchildren, who were fortunate to witness the deep bond shared between them. As a family, they embarked on journeys to places such as Florida, Colorado, and Canada, fostering a spirit of exploration and wonder that remains a testament to their close-knit family ties.
Earl is survived by his loving wife Dolores (nee Lampe) Setchfield; his devoted children, Tracy Setchfield, Greg (Megan) Setchfield, and Kristi (Gerry) Hatchell, and his cherished grandchildren, Meghan Setchfield, Breanna Setchfield, Katie (Gage) Harris, Alec Hatchell, and Courtney Hatchell. He is also remembered fondly by his brothers-in-law, Earnest Auer, Norman Holtmann, Bob Stroker and Edward (Kathy) Lampe, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mabel (nee Bereswill) Setchfield, and his sisters, Joan (Richard) Nieters, Ruth Auer, Dorothy Holtmann, and Carol Stroker; sister-in-law Eleanor & (Paul) Reichert.
Earl "Butch" T. Setchfield has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of love, commitment, and adventure will be cherished and remembered for generations to come. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation services will be held at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes - South County Chapel, located at 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO, on June 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on June 6, 2025, from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons South County Chapel. A Mass will take place at Assumption Catholic Church, 4725 Mattis Rd, St. Louis, MO, on June 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 MacKenzie Rd, St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers to honor Butch please consider memorial donations to Smile Train, P.O. Box 96323, Washington, DC 20090-6231.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes - South County Chapel
Friday, June 6, 2025
8:30 - 10:15 am (Central time)
John L. Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Homes - South County Chapel
Friday, June 6, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Assumption Catholic Church
Friday, June 6, 2025
11:30 - 11:45 am (Central time)
Resurrection Cemetery
Visits: 196
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors