Albert M. “Butch” Sehstedt, 73, of Winamac, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by his family.
Butch was born on September 20, 1952 at Carneal’s Hospital in Winamac. He was the son of the late Albert F. and Martha E. (Schieman) Sehstedt. He was a 1970 graduate of Winamac High School. One afternoon driving through town, Butch saw a young lady walking with a Tootsie Pop, and he pulled over to ask her if he could have one of those suckers. This is when he met the love of his life, Linda D. Ruff. They married on August 28, 1976.
Hard work was something that Butch loved. Butch did tiling work for Barnhouse. He also worked in construction as a lather. He found his lifelong career at Pulaski County Highway Department in 1977. He took pride leading the paving crew as Head Operator. He also loved the snow and the challenge that it presented as he plowed, making sure he plowed berm to berm so all drivers would know where they were at while driving. He retired from the highway department after 37 years in 2014.
After retirement, Butch continued staying busy gardening, making hay, driving truck, and doing field work for near and dear friends and family. He loved antique tractor pulling and enjoyed helping his nieces with projects. He served on the Pulaski County Extension Board and the Pulaski County Dairy Committee. He found a love for bucket calves and always wanted a barn full of them.
Butch was a determined man and never let his physical shortcomings stop him from anything. He was a master of modifying tools with extension handles, adding steps to get into tractors, and using pulleys and ropes to achieve everything he needed to get done.
Butch’s joy was his grandchildren. He loved watching them when they were little, always there to lend a hand, going to their events, gathering for a cookout to watch them play together, but most of all, spending time together as a family as much as possible. He enjoyed watching Gun Smoke, Gold Rush, and Bonanza. He loved a good cup of coffee and a bologna sandwich, while reading a Green Magazine! Butch was baptized and was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on October 5, 2025. He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors include his wife, Linda D. (Ruff) Sehstedt; his children, Michael (Alison) Sehstedt of Rochester, Julie (Johnny) Tijerina of Winamac, and Steven (Heather) Sehstedt of Winamac; his grandchildren, Olivia Rude, Audrey Sehstedt, Alan Sehstedt, Tate Tijerina, Rylie Tijerina, Lynden Sehstedt, and Brooks Sehstedt; his sister, Evelyn Dollahan of North Judson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Albert F. and Martha E. (Schieman) Sehstedt; an infant sister Alice Sehstedt; his sisters, Martha (Vernal) Freeman, Ruth (Curly) Holbrook, and Nancy (Jerry D.) Freeman; and a brother-in-law, Jake Dollahan.
Visitation will be from 2-6 PM EST Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM EST Monday, December 8, 2025 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Pastor Martin Furrow officiating.
Burial will take place at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Northern Indiana Power from the Past.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
