Douglas William Gettleson, age 79, passed away on February 14, 2026. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 29, 1946 to his late parents Isreal and Wanda Gettleson. Douglas is survived by his beloved wife Amy of 39 wonderful years; loving children: Carrie Burcar (deceased); son in law Tom, Elania (Alan) Degrez, Marlene (Robert) Konway, Rebecca (Carlo) Badalamenti, Douglas (Jenny); caring grandchildren: Christopher (Dani), Nicholas (Allie), Harley (Autumn), Corey (Grace), Marshall, Jonathan (Austin), Douglas; dear great-grandchildren: James, Navejah, Nova, Elliott, Nashton, Charli, Hunter, Oliver; siblings: Richard Gettleson (deceased), Cheryl Stroer(deceased), Dawn (Mike) Rolph; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Paul and Sally Goodrow. Also left to cherish his memory are many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Douglas graduated from East Detroit High School in 1964. He loved his Shamrocks. He was very involved in Masonry and was a member of Jefferson Masonic Lodge #553. He had the honor of serving as a Past Master three times and as President of the Temple Board of his lodge. He was also a member of the Moslem Shriners and the Scottish Rite. He worked as a bricklayer and became a Business Agent for the Bricklayers Union Local 2 until he retired. He was a member of the Easy Rodders of Michigan Car Club and loved his 1938 Dodge Humpback Harley Panel Truck. He was a member of the Antler Archery Club located in Atlanta, Michigan. He loved hunting and his time up north. Douglas was a man of many hats, AKA THE MADHATTER. He loved to organize events/gatherings for his EDHS Classmates, Masons, Friends, and many other people to get together and enjoy each other's company. He was the life of the party and loved to make people laugh. He was a kind, loving, and generous person. He had a heart of gold and would do anything and everything for anyone. He would give the shirt off his back if he could.
He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace, Douglas.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.
Visitation, Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Funeral Service, Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (gathering at 10:00 a.m.) at the funeral home. Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
