SKOKIE, ILL. — Henry B. Sethness, chairman of Sethness Products Co., died Feb. 28 at age 61. He recently retired as president of the Skokie-based company, an ingredients supplier known for its caramel color portfolio.
Sethness Products is a fifth-generation, family-owned company established in 1880. During the 39 years that Mr. Sethness worked for the company, Sethness Products expanded internationally, establishing plants in India, China and France.
“He was a highly respected business leader,” Sethness Products said on its web site. “His ethics were unimpeachable. There was never a more honest man. He provided leadership to both his company and the caramel color industry with grace and purpose and enriched the lives of all he met.”
Mr. Sethness was born in Chicago, the son of the late Charles H. and Mary Sethness. He received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Kenyon College.
Mr. Sethness, who was a resident of Short Hills, N.J., is survived by his wife, Holly M. Sethness; daughters Ashley Gosnell and Ellie and Charlotte Sethness, all of New York City; sister Mary Arnold and her husband Joseph of McLean, Va.; brothers Charles B. Sethness and his wife, Mary, of Duck Lake, Mich., and Daniel B. Sethness and his wife Marilyn of Clinton, Iowa. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Shoulders Fund, 212 W. Van Buren St. #900, Chicago IL 60607 or to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., Madison NJ 07940.
