After a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease and Dementia, Gale Ivan Getschman went to his eternal home March 25, 2023, at the age of 83.
Gale was born to Schuyler and Treva (Lange) Getschman on December 20, 1939, in Baraboo, WI. Gale attended Baraboo High School. He served his country in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1964. He was also a Union member in the Operating Engineers Local 139.
Gale was united in marriage with Janice Meilke on February 23, 1963. They share two daughters Teri and Sherri, who he loved with all his heart. They also owned Getschman Landscaping.
Gale loved horses and the Rodeo. Countless weekends were spent doing what he enjoyed at the rodeo with his daughters. He served on the Board of Directors for the Little Britches Rodeo from 1976 to 1980, and served as a pickup man with the Little Britches Rodeo from 1976 until the early 1990's.
Gale was united in marriage with Nancy Matheson at their Baraboo home on September 5, 1998. Gale and Nancy spent 20 winters together in Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where they owned a winter property. Gale enjoyed woodworking in the shop and attending rodeos in Texas.
In retirement Gale's passion turned to tractors. He was an avid fan of John Deere tractors and he collected and restored 18 of the John Deere he so loved. He organized 12 Antique Tractor Rides through Baraboo and surrounding communities. Gale was a member of the Baraboo Classic Cruisers Car Club, the Wisconsin Midstate Antique Tractor Club, the Badger Steam and Gas Club, and a member of the Baraboo Bluffs UTV/ATV Club.
Gale was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joyce Petzke, and brothers Lyle and James.
Gale is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughters Teri Sonsalla, Sherri (Kip) Lussenden, Stepchildren Tamara (Reggie) George, Todd (Amy) Matheson, Rich (Jamie) Matheson. Grandchildren Whitney (friend Jake) Lamberty, Kyle Sonsalla, Samantha (Tyler) Wojcik, Melissa (Fiance Jason) Peterson, Jessica Peterson. Step Grandchildren Kayla (Josh) Hermsdorf, Cameron (friend Donyae) George, Reece (Ben) Anderson, Kadin Matheson, Drew Matheson, and Sheyn Matheson. His sister LaVonne Koenecke, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel United Methodist Church, Baraboo, WI., with Pastor Ron Bupp officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo, WI. The funeral service will be live streamed atEmanuel Church | Baraboo WI | Facebook
Memorials may be made in Gale's name to Emanuel United Methodist Church of Baraboo, or Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.
Condolences may be sent to family at www.redlin-ertzfuneralhome.com Redlin-Ertz is assisting the family.
Tony Thornhill March 27, 2023
Friend Mercedes , Texas
Gale was one of the first friends that I made when I started in the Wood Hobby Shop in 2013. He was very helpful to me and imparted a lot of his knowledge. I always joke that he was my "Father" and we always gave each other a hug. He was missed when he left Llano Grande. Linda and I send our condolences to Nancy and the rest of the family.
Nancy PeacockWhitson March 28, 2023
Friends throughout our school years JohnstonCity , Illinois
I am so sorry for your lost. God Blessings on you and your familybb
Diane & Ken Olinger March 27, 2023
Llano Grande Quilt Bee Mercedes , Texas
Our deepest sympathy at the lose of Gale.
Susan/Tom Gullickson March 27, 2023
Friend Lake Tomahawk , Wisconsin
So very sorry to hear about Gale’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy, Nancy. Your leap of faith 20 years ago paid off with many years of love and companionship. For that you can be truly thankful. We didn’t know anything about Gale except what we read in his obituary. He seemed to enjoy life and to be very involved in things in which he was interested. He had a great life. You being part of it for the last 20 years completed him. Being we are in Florida, we are unable to attend his funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless, Tom & Susan
Phil Forbes March 27, 2023
Friend Onanole Manitoba
Gale was one of a kind. I met him at the wood shop in Llano Grande and learned from him. His loss will be felt by his family and the members of the shop. Take care in knowing that he is at peace.
Dean and Jan Griffith March 30, 2023
Friend Mercedes , Texas
Nancy and family, We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you at this difficult time. Gale was a pleasant man and we always enjoyed chatting with him in Texas.
David & Carolyn Dallmann April 03, 2023
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our sincere sympathy to Nancy and Gale's family.
Patty Reppenhagen April 06, 2023
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sherri sending you and your family heartfelt condolences. Your Daddy was a gem
Barb Meister April 20, 2023
friend Hillpoint , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear about Gale. He will be missed at the Badger Steam and Gas show and the talks in the golf shack. Have many wonderful memories at the Badger steam and gas show and the tractor rides