Hugh Etter

A full life is a collection of stories that pile, one on top of the other, like bricks. It's impossible to gather every stone and build an entire monument to our dad here, but this is an (abridged) story of Hugh Etter's life.

Hugh was born in January of 1959 to loving parents, Eldon and Nancy. He embraced all that growing up in Zim, MN had to offer a fun-loving adolescent, hunting, fishing, swimming, Rec hockey and school sports. His crew of siblings and cousins and friends was abundant and encouraged his antics of the week.

Hugh met his lifelong love, Robin, at Cherry High School. The two spent the early years of adulthood traveling and reveling in friendships and creating a beautiful foundation for their 44-year marriage. They settled into their home in Forbes and brought home 4 children over the next 6 years.

Sports played a big role in our dad's life. He was all of our first coach, passing along his competitive nature. His support extended beyond his own kids as he became a coach and booster for Cherry athletics. His love of the game never ended, as he still competed in multiple golf leagues this past summer. "It's a lifelong sport!", as he would say.

Never one to sit still, Hugh was also active in his church community at Faith United Lutheran Church, where he was serving as the council president until the day he passed. He also found an opportunity to combine his faith and his talents as a mason and builder with Voyagers Lutheran Ministries, volunteering and serving on the executive board of the camp.

Between work and raising children and volunteering his time and talents, our dad never missed an opportunity to celebrate life. He ever met a stranger that he couldn't befriend. Hugh loved to gather and spend time in community, whether that be at the local sports bar with the Vikes game on in the background, or on a fishing boat with his loved ones. As we kids became adults, he loved spending time with us and our friends. Hugh was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and kept an open mind to new ideas and concepts that he would debate with us kids. We all have irreplaceable memories of ice fishing or going to a Twins game or golfing with him and chatting the whole time about the world's ills and how to fix them.

Our dad was also a great cook, he would always offer to host Thanksgiving or a fish fry for the Etter Family Reunion. He made sure all were well fed and taken care of.

He was goofy and funny and loved to laugh and dance. He was also a man who loved, deeply. He loved his family, his friends, his home, and his community. A new generation of grandchildren were just beginning to understand how lucky they were to be loved by Hugh.

If you were also lucky enough to know or love Hugh, please join us in telling stories of his life, we will gather together at Faith United Lutheran Church on November 13th for a visitation from 6-8pm and again November 14th for a visitation at 10:00, followed by a service at 11:00a.

Hugh is survived by his loving wife Robin, his children; Jessica (Rich) Holleque, Karisa (Jason) Etter, Joshua (Tara) Etter, and Macey (Ryan) Etter-Dacy. His mother Nancy (Doug), sister Janine, and brother Ward. His step-mother Barb. And his grandchildren; Lily, Jamie, Bryce, Sunny, Monty, and Rose.