Obituary of Gregory J Sertich

Retired St. Louis County Sheriff Gregory J. Sertich, 88, of Duluth, Minn. passed away on Feb. 10, 2016. He was born in Virginia, Minn. on Aug. 21, 1927 to George and Mary (Finc) Sertich. Greg attended Marquette Parochial school and Roosevelt High School in Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served in the Pacific Theater. After he was discharged from the Navy, he met and married Marie Rose Hoffman at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Buyck, Minn. on April 17, 1948. He was employed as a laborer on the DM&IR railroad and worked as a mechanic at Lahey Motors and Skubic Brothers of Virginia. He owned and operated Greg's Auto Clinic before joining the Virginia police department in 1956. In 1968, he was elected to the first of four terms as the St. Louis County Sheriff. Greg was a leader and active member of many professional and civic groups including: President of the Minnesota State Sheriffs Association; President of the Arrowhead Police and Peace Officers Association; and Governor's appointment to special task force on corrections and security. In 1972, Sheriff Sertich and his wife Marie visited seven countries in Europe and the Soviet Union to observe their criminal justice systems. As sheriff, he worked diligently to modernize and improve law enforcement services throughout St. Louis County. He was known for his expertise in the use of firearms and was a NRA police firearms instructor and taught firearm safety to hundreds of youth throughout his career. He was an Arrowhead Peace Officers Association handgun champion and the Minnesota State Police pistol champion three times. Greg belonged to the America Legion Post 480 of Orr, Minn, and Veterans of War Post 7968 of Apache Junction, Ariz. After retirement, Sheriff Sertich and his wife Marie enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Mexico and Arizona. He loved playing golf, fishing and especially attending polka festivals. Greg was a very loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Greg was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Sertich; brothers Tommy and Mike; and sisters Annie Bicanich and Mary Brogan. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Marie; Sister Rosemary (Bob) Ribich; four children, Greg (Linda) Sertich, Peggy (Steve) McGregor, Brad (Ann) Sertich and Gayle (Jay) Hunger; nine grandchildren, Matthew, Joe, Angela, Kyle, Tony, Andy, Michael, Mary and Crystal; three great-grandchildren, Bradley, Audrey, Andi; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at a future date.