Melvin R. Getz

Melvin R. Getz, 82, of Peoria, IL died and went to be with his Lord and Savior at 12:15 am Tuesday, May 05, 2015 at the O.S.F. Richard L. Owens Hospice Home surrounded by his family. He was born June 18, 1932 in Morton, IL to Jesse and Laura (Rocke) Getz. He married Margaret L. Wiegand on February 3, 1952.

Surviving are his wife and six children: Kathy Getz Thompson of East Peoria, IL, Rod (Jane) Getz of East Peoria, IL, Karen (Dan) Waibel of Peoria, Rob Getz of Chillicothe, Jeff (Lisa) Getz of East Peoria, and Joann Getz of Peoria, IL. He was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers; Allan (Nathalia) Getz of Eureka, IL and Jerry (Raylene) Getz of Roanoke, IL, one sister Verla Wiegand of Eureka, IL, and one sister-in-law Jan Getz of Roanoke, IL. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Merlyn Getz, and one brother-in-law Dan Wiegand.

Melvin served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He was the founder of Getz Fire Equipment in 1957. He grew the company over the years to currently employing one hundred and twenty five employees serving Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Melvin was an inventor of mobile service vehicles and fire extinguisher service equipment that is used and recognized throughout the world. He is a past board member of the N.A.F.E.D. (National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors) receiving a lifetime achievement award and also received the Pat Fredrickson Award in 1997. Melvin was a member of the East Peoria Rotary Club and received a Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Five of his children and five of his grandchildren are currently employed at his company.

He participated on the Twin Towers Condominium Board, St. Jude Run from Chicago and motorcycle ride from Memphis to Peoria. Melvin also enjoyed boating, motor homing with friends, and spending winter months in Florida with his wife.

Melvin was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church on Sheridan Rd. in Peoria. He loved his Lord and Savior, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10 am Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Apostolic Church of Peoria, 3420 Sheridan Rd. in Peoria. The church ministers will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm Thursday at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home and from 9 – 9:45 am at the church on Friday. Interment will be in the Peoria Apostolic Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to O.S.F. Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or the Midwest Food Bank. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com