Gregory James Selle

To view the Memorial Service for Gregory, please click on the livestream link: Memorial Service for Gregory J. Selle

a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on May 2nd, 2025, following a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer. Surrounded by his loving daughters, he entered eternal rest and is now joyfully reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Marsha.

Greg grew up in Vermillion and later Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Axtell Park Middle School and graduated from Washington High School in 1966, where he was the starting quarterback for the Warrior football team and a member of the varsity basketball team. Greg was also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and various other clubs. He went on to earn a degree in biology from Augustana College and later completed a year of graduate studies at the University of South Dakota.

His memories of growing up in South Dakota—days spent roaming the neighborhood with his siblings, playing sports at the Sioux Falls YMCA and summers as a counselor at Camp Tepeetonka—were among his most cherished.

Knowing he would likely be selected in the Vietnam War draft, Greg courageously enlisted on his own at age 22 just after graduating college. Greg served his country with honor, receiving a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and several other leadership awards. Though he rarely spoke of his time in the military, his courage and sacrifice were always understood and deeply respected.

After returning home, Greg began a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service. He held various roles including branch manager and work in human resources and labor relations.

Greg met the love of his life, Marsha LaBrie Selle, while briefly teaching at Washington High School. They married in 1973 and shared over 50 years of marriage, raising three daughters together, Erin Selle (Troy) von Holdt, Laura Selle Virtucio (Victor Paul) and Jill Selle (Adam) Kragthorpe. Greg's life was anchored by his family. He loved coaching the girls’ sports teams and was always willing to play catch in the yard, shoot hoops, or offer thoughtful advice as they grew. He was a constant presence at their athletics, school and life events. He gave his daughters both independence and guidance, and his calm, patient demeanor made him a quiet rock in their lives.

Those who knew Greg knew about “Selle Time”— his personal standard of arriving at least 15 minutes early to everything. With three daughters, this often meant waiting patiently in the car on Sunday mornings before church, never once losing his temper.

Later, Greg found immense joy in his role as a grandfather. He and Marsha babysat often and never missed a chance to support their grandchildren—Connor and Paige von Holdt; Silas Selle Virtucio, and James, Kane, and Theo Kragthorpe at sporting events, dance recitals, or school activities. He took pride in teaching a few how to yo-yo, play chess, ride bikes and swim.

Greg enjoyed many hobbies, his favorite being golf, which he played often with his brother Bill Selle and friends from Sioux Falls. Other activities included racquetball, fishing, and he never passed up an opportunity to visit to a casino to play the slots. Greg retired at the young age of 55. Shortly after, he and Marsha became snowbirds, spending seven happy years in Arizona.

Eventually, they relocated to Plymouth, MN to be closer to family as Marsha’s health declined. Greg was Marsha’s main care giver during her 10+ year Alzheimer’s journey until her death in 2024. He played a vital role in helping her maintain her dignity and independence. One of Greg’s greatest strengths was his ability to put others’ needs above his own.

In early 2023, Greg was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. With an aggressive medical effort, Greg was able to enjoy more time doing the things he loved. In his final weeks, he was cared for in his home by his daughters and an incredible team from Park Nicollet hospice. 

Greg was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marsha (LaBrie) Selle, his parents Phoebe and Arthur Selle, and brother-in-law Vic Schlesinger. He is survived by his daughters Erin von Holdt, Laura Selle Virtucio, and Jill Kragthorpe; his treasured grandchildren; Connor von Holdt, Paige von Holdt, Victor Silas Selle Virtucio, James Kragthorpe, Kane Kragthorpe and Theo Kragthorpe, and his siblings Lynne Heidelbauer, Bill Selle, Kathy Schlesinger, and Richard Selle.

Memorial donations in Greg’s honor can be made to the Sioux Falls YMCA and/or the Park Nicollet Foundation - hospice home care fund. Memorial Service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Gearty-Delmore Chapel (15800 37th Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55446). Details: Greeting Hour 1:00pm, Memorial Service 2:00pm, followed by joint burial of Greg and Marsha Selle at Gethsemane Cemetery (8151 N. 42nd Ave., New Hope, MN 55427). Greg will receive full military honors.

*Join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering at Wicked Wort Brewing Company (4165 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale, MN 55422) immediately following the burial.