Norman Getter

Norman Getter, 86, of Viroqua, died Saturday, February 21, 2015. Norman Clarence Getter passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care surrounded by family. Norman was born in Viroqua to Clarence and Jessie (Jacobs) Getter. He was a member of the Viroqua Church of Christ. He grew up on a farm in Bishop Branch, farming with horses and working his dads trout pond. He and his brothers swam in the spring water that other folks considered too cold. Norman married Donna McGarry on December 18, 1948. Donna & Norman farmed together for the next 66 years. They worked rental farms until 1961 when they purchased their own farm in Brush Hollow from Normans mother. Norman loved farming and worked long hours to provide for his family of six children. He milked cows and raised hogs and chickens with the help of Donna and the kids. He would summon help with a loud, piercing whistle that could be heard across the valley. Like most farmers, he raised tobacco. Many stories were told in the stripping shanty as the family worked the final step of that labor intensive crop. Normans love of homemade ice cream, and expertise in freezing it, insured that most family gatherings were blessed with the frozen treat. Norman had asthma and allergies that finally forced him to sell the milk cows and switch to beef in 1983. Heart bypass surgery in 2000 put an end to cattle on the farm, but he continued to raise corn and hay for sale. He increased their garden and added a pumpkin patch and raspberry patch, a special treat for the grandchildren. Norman loved wood working in his basement shop. He also refinished furniture for family and friends. Visitors were also invited to learn how to throw tomahawks under his guidance. Norman loved all children, especially his own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would work to make them laugh, getting down on the floor to play with them, and his playful tricks and games have been passed down to the next generation. He was a role model to them all, teaching the value of hard work, honesty, and devotion to your family. Norman is survived by his wife Donna; 2 sons: Richard (Lynette) Getter of Viroqua, Roger (Jacqueline) Getter of Viroqua; 3 daughters: Ruth (Jim) Schneck of East Troy, Linda (Ronald) Townsend of DeSoto, Lisa (Michael) Bausch of Viroqua; daughter-in-law Sherry Getter of Onalaska; 15 grandchildren: Jerrod (Jennifer) Getter, Jennie (Craig) Voter, Jonah (Ashley) Getter, Nicole (Daniel) Hewitt, Jason (Miranda) Getter, Leslie (Michael) Getter-Henrikson, Jessica (Christopher) Huschka, Joshua (Betsy) Hanson, Travis (Jill) Knutson, Patrick Townsend, Chelsea Moret, Claire Townsend, Mandy (James) Prinz, Elissa (Jesse) Yakish, Brenna Bausch; 26 great grandchildren; one brother LaVerne (Phyllis) Getter of Hilbert; In-laws: Charlotte Getter, Larry (Annabel) McGarry, and Carol (Gary) Deaver all of Viroqua, Carroll Kepler of Hillsboro, Connie (Karen) McGarry of Nekoosha, Harriet (Ray) Storer of Newton Falls, OH, Michael (Elly) McGarry of Salinas, CA. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Rodney Getter; his sister, Evelyn Kepler; two brothers, Donald Getter in infancy, and Wayne Getter. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Church of Christ in Viroqua. Pastor Jeff Coon will officiate with burial to follow in the Brush Hollow cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, February 24 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday from 10 am till the time of service at 11. In Lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Church of Christ or the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Church of Christ in Viroqua. Pastor Jeff Coon will officiate with burial to follow in the Brush Hollow cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, February 24 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday from 10 am till the time of service at 11. In Lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Church of Christ or the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.