Carl Sehnert, 87, Memphis

Carl John Sehnert, 87, of Memphis, Tenn., passed away peacefully in his home on May 28, 2026. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, and will be missed by all. Carl was born in Chicago, Ill., and graduated from Hawkins High School in Wisconsin. He moved back to Chicago and worked at the Seeberg Jukebox factory until he went into the Marines. After leaving the Marines, he moved to Owatonna, where he was a police officer and in 1970, was named Police Officer of the Year. He then went to work for 1st National Bank, later First Bank. Carl was one of the 10 individuals who founded the Owatonna Dive Club, where he shared his passion for SCUBA with many friends. Many weekend camping trips to Grindstone Lake and Lake Superior took place around Club dives. He also enjoyed trips to the Florida Keys and Grand Cayman Island. Carl was happy to have his son, Trent, continue his love of Scuba Diving. Carl moved to Memphis in 1984 and for the last 40 years his love and enjoyment was in the collecting of promotional glasses and sharing that love with others. He was involved in the start of the Promotional Glass Collectors Club and served as President for the first nine years. He attended almost every meeting around the country, from Allentown, Pa., to Portland, Ore., to San Diego, Calif. Carl and his wife, Mary, ran an on-line auction dedicated to promotional glasses for 30 years. Carl loved country music, enjoyed reading (introducing all his children to books on tape/cd), and always looked forward to his many travels across the country with Mary visiting family, going to glass shows, and exploring many of the national parks. Carl is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary, his eight children, Brent (Sue) Sehnert, Nadine Sehnert (Mike Tangedal), Trent Sehnert (Sarah Borgman), Mari (Mike) Briesemeister, Kari (Mark) Ewest, Lynn Sehnert (Ed O’Neill), Kristi Sehnert and Misti (Shawn) Bilodeau, sister Terri Bennett, former spouse Marjorie Sehnert, stepson Scott Fisher Palesotti, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Kent Sehnert, beloved dog Oscar, aunt and uncle Bea and Milo Pilgrim, mother Belva Marie Callahan (Pilgrim), father Carl John Sehnert, stepson Kevin Fisher, and his brother Robert Sehnert. Memorials can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.