Harland Getter

Harland Getter, 87, of Waunakee and formerly of Holmen, died Thursday, April 19, 2018. Harland D. "Harlie" Getter, age 87 of Waunakee, lived life to the fullest and started his new adventure in Heaven on April 19, 2018 following a battle with Leukemia. Harlie was born to Pearl and Nina Getter on September 26, 1930 on the family farm outside Viroqua, WI. He spent much of his childhood working on the farm. In 1948, he graduated from Viroqua High School where he had lettered in football and boxing. Harlie joined the WI National Guard and served 12 years. In 1950, Harlie married his high school sweetheart Jean Simpson. They shared their life together for over 67 years living in Wisconsin, California and Montana. They had one daughter, Lori. Harlie did many jobs including owning service stations in MT and WI, built swimming pools in CA, and worked for FEMA during floods and tornadoes. Harlie loved flying and had his own plane while living in MT and WI. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting elk and moose. He was an avid Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. At home, he loved gardening and mowing his lawn. He could spend hours on his deck looking at the bluffs at their home in Holmen, WI and at the mountains in Missoula, MT. Throughout his life, Harlie was involved in many organizations. He always wanted to help friends and family. Some of the organizations included Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, church choirs, volunteer firefighter and barbershop singing. His most fulfilling involvement was with Civil Air Patrol where he served 16 years in both the Montana and Wisconsin Wing. He held many positions including Squadron Commander in Missoula. He was a certified mountain search pilot and coordinated many downed aircraft searches. One of his greatest honors was when he was named Pilot of the Year in 1989 by the Montana Civil Air Patrol. Harlie is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Lori, granddog "Maddie" and grandcat "Sassy". He also is survived by his brothers Myron and Bernel and sisters Janice and Patsy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold and Donald, and sisters Delores and Verna Mary. A celebration of life memorial will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI. Memorials should be sent to Crawford Area Shelter for Animals, Inc. (CASA), PO Box 338, Ferryville, WI 54628. Harlie loved our family pets and wanted memorials to help unwanted dogs and cats. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.