Donald Getz

Donald Dan Getz, died peacefully and went to be with our Lord on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Don was born on April 8, 1929, in Delmont, South Dakota, the eldest of Dan and Hattie Getz?s ten children. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up in Stewart, Minnesota working hard for the family farm. At the age of 21 he received his GED and hitchhiked to Wartburg College in Iowa where he continued his education. While at Wartburg he was on the track team and participated in the relay at Drake University. Don completed his BA at Dana College in Nebraska. He returned to Minnesota where he attended seminary at Northwestern in Minneapolis. It was during this time that he realized his love was in construction as he spent his lunch hour at the construction site of the first mall built in America which is known as ?Southdale.? Throughout his career he managed and owned many properties and businesses as well as residential and commercial contracting retiring at the age of 81. Don met Lorraine Radtke at Lake Koronis Bible Camp. Don and Lorraine were united in marriage on June 24, 1956 ? this union lasted over 51 years. To this union five sons and one daughter were born. He was a life long church member. He found joy in learning, teaching, choir, and mission trips. Don was a council member, president of many organizations and a member of the Gideons. Don enjoyed his family, walking, gardening, bird watching, long drives, dining out, the market news, classical music, and Bible prophecy. He especially loved to travel which included forty-nine states and five continents. Donald is survived by his five children: Jerome (Janet) Getz of Alexandria, Jon Getz of Alexandria, Janet Getz of Alexandria, Joel (Mary Ellen) Getz of Southlake, TX, Jason Getz of Alexandria; two granddaughters: Nicole & Naomi Getz of Alexandria; two step-grandchildren: Melissa & Mitchell Frost of Southlake, TX; brothers: Gene, Jerry (Clarice); sisters: Betty Runke, Delores (Dick) Dahlquist, Alice (Jim) Harrington, JoAnn Grissom; several brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; son, James; two sisters and one brother. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 11:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Terry Finnern and Rev. William Moeller officiating. Pallbearers were Dennis Dahlquist, Randy Beers, Chris Getz, Keith Radtke, Scott Radtke, Perry Boniek.