Carl Frank Shaskey-Setright

Carl was born on July 15, 1955 to Philip and Marguerite, (Steifvater) Setright and was the 4th of 7 children. He grew up in Rawlins, Wyoming going to school at St. Joseph's elementary and Rawlins Public schools. He and his siblings worked at the family restaurant and helped with their mother’s nursery school along with participating in church and school activities. He graduated from Rawlins High School and following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps joined the US Army enlisting as an infantry paratrooper and was stationed in Vincenza, Italy with the 509th Airborne Battalion where he was awarded a secondary MOS as a Chaplain Assistant, and the Army Commendation Medal. He made good friends with his Army buddies from the chapel and has maintained contact with them occasionally traveling back east for reunions.

After the service Carl went to the University of Wyoming where he earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree. He then went to work at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home in Torrington, WY as a Group Living Teacher, where again he developed deep relationships with his co-workers and the residents. He was offered a job in his hometown at the Department of Social Service where he worked in child protection, foster care, foster care certification, and adoptions. Coming back to his hometown also gave him the opportunity to meet the love of his life, Jody, and her daughter Bianca. Being with Jody helped him find focus, brought him much joy, and helped him achieve both personal and professional success with her caring support. Carl and Jody were married in 1985 and he adopted Bianca as his daughter. Carl and Jody had their daughter Zoe. His family was always important to him. Carl returned to graduate school at Colorado State University and graduated with his Master of Social Work. Upon graduation Carl accepted a job with the Runestone Education District and provided school social work services to Osakis, Glenwood, Alexandria, and Evansville schools. Eventually, working primarily at Discovery Middle School where he also worked with students after school in the weightroom and later provided services to Northside school. After school hours Carl also taught Tai Chi through Community Education teaching for over 30 years, and also worked part time as a mental health professional for Lutheran Social Service (LSS) where he provided in-home counseling services and anger management classes in the community and to the county jail for 10 years. To finish up his career in the school Carl worked at Minnewaska Day Treatment in Starbuck as a mental health professional before retiring from the school system. He then moved to full time work at LSS including working in remote offices in Willmar, Sauk Centre, and Melrose school until his retirement. In all of his work he enjoyed working with both staff and students, clients and other professionals.

He sought to find a balance in his life with family, faith, friends, work, and connections. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren, Sabine and Claire. He would look for opportunities to engage in family activities such as family Skype calls, taking grandkids to Disney World, participating in Stiefvater Family reunions in Nebraska, or helping out his nephew, Drew at summer camp. He does regret missing opportunities to connect with family and there were too many of those missed opportunities.

Carl strove to encourage people to breathe and find good in each moment.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, a niece, a grand nephew and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife Jody, daughters Bianca, (Peter) Shaskey-Fredrick, Zoe, (Gerry) Quackenbush, granddaughters Sabine and Claire Quackenbush, his sisters Joan Reeves, Gwen, (Rich) James, Aynn, (Guillermo) Setright, Beth, (Michael) McLaughlin, many nieces and nephews, He was very close to all of Jody’s siblings and mother, and he made a close connection with a family friend, Killeen Smyth, who was very supportive of him during his cancer treatment in Rochester.

We are extremely grateful for the care and support of the Vivie Hospice, Alexandria Cancer Support Group, Alomere Oncology, and the Mayo Hospital.

Most especially we would like to thank the people who offered their love and care during his cancer journey.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made payable to Friends of the Alexandria Nature Trail and given to the family. alexandrianaturetrail@gmail.com. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, 4:00 - 7:00 PM with a Rosary at 3:45 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.