Donald Earl “Don” Getzen, 89, of Lake Geneva, died on July 8, 2017, at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn.
He was born to the late Tony and Leora (Hartwell) Getzen on May 15, 1928, in Elkhorn. Don graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1946 and continued his education in military-sponsored college courses. On March 23, 1961, Donald was united in marriage to Jacquelyn Fox in Elmwood Park, Ill.
Don served in the music industry for 50 years, in servitude and management at the original Getzen Musical Instrument Company in Elkhorn. Don formed his own company, DEG Music Products, Ind., of Lake Geneva in 1965. Don served several years as an officer and director of the National Association of Band Instrument Manufactures. Don had three patents covering musical products.
He started King Travel Agency in April of 1972 in Lake Geneva and later Music Maket Products, Inc. and the Hartwell Brass Warehouse LLC. Don had a proud musical heritage, and devoted his life to servicing the music industry in the tradition of the Getzen family.
Don was a director of the Wisconsin Southern Gas Company and Citizens National Bank of Lake Geneva. Don was an Alderman and on the Planning Commission for the City of Lake Geneva. Don was a member of the Lake Geneva Manor board and was also, along with Sturg Taggert, a founding member of the Lake Geneva Jaycees.
He served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Luzon. Don’s military honors include the Korean War, Japanese Occupation, and Presidential Unit Citation.
Don’s wife of 56 years, Jacquelyn, survives him. Two children, Tracey (Rick) Gossman of Antioch, Ill., and Dan Getzen of Lake Geneva both survive him. Two grandchildren, John and Abby Gossman of Antioch, Ill.; and a brother, Bill (Ruth) Getzen of Sarasota, Fla., along with nieces and nephews all survive Don. Don was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; his sister, Carol; and his parents.
Services for Don will be July 18 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva. Visitation will be July 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lake Geneva. Burial will be private and done at a later date.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the a family has asked that you make a donation in Don’s name to the Lake Geneva YMCA and the Badger High School Band.
For online condolences visit derrickfuneralhome.com. Derrick Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lake Geneva are more than honored to be assisting the family of Mr. Getzen during their time of need.
