Gary was born on April 12, 1938, and raised by his loving parents, Lloyd and Ruth (Peterson) Getzmier. He was baptized on June 30, 1938, and confirmed on April 6, 1952, at St. John's Lutheran Church of Hanover, rural Alta. After grade school at Hanover, Gary attended Galva High School, graduating in 1956. He continued his education at Morningside College and the University of Nebraska, then returned home to farm with his dad.
On July 26, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sandy Conover. They lived and farmed near Schaller, Iowa for 43 wonderful years. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Carrie Jo.
Gary's favorite conversations were bragging about his daughter, Carrie, of whom he was infinitely proud, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, his Hereford cattle, and fishing trips.
Gary devoted his life's work to improving his Hereford cattle-calf operation. He bought his first Hereford at age 16. When his herd increased to ten, he went to Chicago to show cattle for Adam's Ranch in Odebolt. He also showed cattle in Denver, for Wiese and Sons of Manning, IA. As his herd increased further, he showed in the Kansas City Royal, the State Show/Sale in Des Moines, and the annual Bell Ringer Sale in Sioux City. In his retirement years, his herd decreased to 12 cows, but he continued to offer 2 year-old bulls for commercial herds in the area.
Gary and Sandy were active members of St. John's Lutheran Church and enjoyed retirement together on the Getzmier Family Century Farm.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Alex Conover; his brother-in-law, Cliff Conover; and his friend, Jerry Jensen.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta.
Funeral:
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the St. John Lutheran Church of rural Alta (Hanover) with the Rev. John H. Schmidt officiating.
Burial:
Burial will be at the St.John Lutheran Cemetery of rural Alta (Hanover).