Lorraine Teckla Gettler

Lorraine (Klocke) Gettler of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Jefferson, IA, passed away on November 26, 2021. Lorraine was born on June 8, 1930 in Dedham, IA. She was the daughter of Clem and Elizabeth (Wiskus) Klocke. She was the fourth child of sixteen. She attended St. Joseph’s school in Dedham and St. Angela’s Academy in Carroll, IA. On January 20, 1948, she married William Gettler, Jr. of Coon Rapids, IA. Rev. Father Pick was pastor of St. Joseph’s. To this union, eight children were born. Anita Downing of Coon Rapids, IA; Ellen Olson (Denny) of Bagley, IA; Steve Gettler (Nancy) of Mesa, AZ; Cindy Daniels of Mesa, AZ; Tim Gettler (Jeri) of Jefferson, IA; Linda Anderton (Allen) of Mesa, AZ; Russ Gettler (Joyce) of Mesa, AZ; and Trina Zimmer (Roger) of Stratford, IA.

Before moving to Arizona, Lorraine and Bill farmed at Coon Rapids and Audubon, IA. They then moved to Yale, IA where she operated the Chow House Café until 1977. After moving to Jefferson, IA she became a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of Catholic Daughters and Ladies Guild. In Arizona, she was a member of All Saints Catholic Church. During her life, Lorraine held many jobs, including housekeeper, checkout clerk, and flower shop attendant. Her favorite job was being a mother, grandmother, and friend.

After retiring Lorraine enjoyed crafts, was an avid card player, traveled, and, of course, visited casinos. She adored her (8) children, (18) grandchildren, (30) great grandchildren and (8) great great grandchildren. Family was important to her. On Sundays and holidays, the whole crew came to her house for meals and played games she had planned. Camping ventures included river rafting with family. In 2018, 71 family members attended a family reunion in AZ.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill, who passed on October 21, 2019; her parents Clem and Elizabeth; three sons-in-law, Richard Downing, Floyd Holland, and Lupe Daniels; sisters Jessie Fast, Maxine McFarland, Francis Whisnant, Louise Costello, Donna Lowe; and brother LeRoy Klocke. She leaves behind Helen Johnson, Lambert (Donna) Klocke, Gerald (Betty) Klocke, Ronald (Joleen) Klocke, Larry (Pat) Klocke, James (Luanne) Klocke, Sharon (Eldon) Wright, Wayne (Carol) Klocke, Marlene (Jim) Wille, and a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.