Obituary of John L. Sellstrom

John Lausterer Sellstrom, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather during his incredible 89 years of life, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023. John was born on October 23, 1933, in Jamestown, NY to the late Elmer and Edna Lausterer Sellstrom. John attended the Governor's Academy in Massachusetts and studied at Nichols College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Michigan. John went on to earn his Bachelor of Law and Doctorate of Law Degrees from the University of Wisconsin. From 1956 to 1959, John served on active duty in the United States Naval Security Group and was later appointed as the Associate Government Appeal Agent for the Selective Service System in the Administration of the Military Service. John recently celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Carole Wilson Sellstrom, whom he met on a blind date. They married August 9, 1958, and were blessed with 4 children: John (Cindy) Sellstrom, Kristen (David) Streeper, Karin (Doug) McFetters and Stephen (Chrissy) Sellstrom, 10 grandchildren: Kristofor (Simone) Sellstrom, Philip (Kiersten) Sellstrom, Sarah Streeper, Jake (Bethany) Sellstrom, Emily Streeper, Sophie Sellstrom, Matthew McFetters, Michael McFetters, Genevieve Sellstrom, JT Sellstrom, and 2 great grandchildren: River and Loch Sellstrom. A prominent attorney and Swedish Consul, John began his illustrious law career with the Jamestown Law Firm of Lombardo and Pickard, where he became a partner before starting his own successful law practice, Sellstrom Law Firm. Throughout his life, John gave his time and resources nurturing many community causes. He was co-founder and attorney for the Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation, past President of the Jamestown Bar Association, past President of the Jamestown Automobile Club, and Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. John's greatest honor was serving the community as Swedish Consul and as attorney and co-trustee for the Johnson Foundation. John was appointed as Consul by H.M. King Carl Gustaf in March of 1977 and was honored by the King of Sweden with the Royal Order First Class Polar Star for his continued advocacy of Sweden. In 1995, John was knighted and bestowed as a Commander of the Polar Star by H.M. King of Sweden. John and Carole traveled extensively throughout the world. In his later years, John remained very active in Chautauqua County and enjoyed spending quality time with Carole and his extended family at their Ashville farm. The family would like to thank John's wonderful caregiver, Linda Schwerk, whose efforts made it possible for John and Carole to continue to live life to the fullest. John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community. The values John exemplified and instilled in those who knew him will be forever remembered; his legacy will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched. Family and friends are invited to attend a service honoring John's life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, beginning at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, 509 Prendergast Avenue, Jamestown, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: John L. and Carole W. Sellstrom Family Charitable Fund at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.