Seth Cate

Seth Brian Cate was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior following a brief illness on October 12, 2025. He was 44 years old. Born on January 17, 1981 to Bill and Paula Cate in Colorado Springs, CO, he was baptized into the Christian faith at the USAF Academy Community Chapel on February 8, 1981. The son of an Air Force family, Seth lived in many places, including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, and the United Kingdom. A member of the Class of 1999 of Lutheran High School in Rockford, IL, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard shortly after graduation. <br /> As a Gunners Mate First Class he served aboard four Coast Guard vessels in California, Washington, and Alaska, and had two land based assignments in California and Grand Haven, MI. He retired as a Petty Officer 2nd Class in 2019. He then served as a police officer with the Wausau, WI Police Department before moving to Washington where he was employed by Security Services Northwest, Inc. <br /> Seth will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, his loyalty to his friends, and his love of his dogs and the outdoors. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. <br /> He married Kristi Welch of Sequim, WA in 2011, where they lived at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and June Cate of Rockford, IL, and Dwight and Nelle Guinn of Albuquerque, NM. In addition to Kristi he is survived by their children, Tyson, Landon, and Allison; his parents, Bill and Paula Cate of Ferrysburg, MI; his sister Jessica Buehler of Muskegon, MI; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and other extended family members. <br /> His remains were interred with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, on November 13, 2025.