Perry Jeffrey Gethner

Devoted son of the late Max and Sylvia Gethner. Fond brother of the late Deanna La Cerra (Patrick). Cherished Uncle of Zach (Rebecca) Byrne and Great Uncle of Porter Byrne. Beloved grandson of the late Edward and Sarah Terman and the late Morris and Rachel Gethner. Beloved nephew of Barbara Michaels, the late Sheldon Terman, the late Herb Terman, and the late Dr. Louis (Sonia) Gethner. Dr. Gethner was a treasured cousin, teacher, and friend to many.

Born in Chicago, IL, Dr. Gethner attended Von Steuben High School, Carleton College, and Yale University. Perry earned a Ph.D. at Yale and was a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation Dr. Gethner served in academic positions in Strasbourg, France; Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Connecticut; and the University of Chicago. In 1984 Dr. Gethner came to Oklahoma State University as an Associate Professor, served as the department head of languages and literatures from 1999 to 2015 and retired earlier this year as Regents Professor of Foreign Language after 39 years at OSU.

Dr. Gethner was a prolific scholar and historian of early modern French literature. Dr. Gethner published more than 30 editions and translations during his career and had over 70 scholarly articles to his name. Dr. Perry Gethner considered one of his greatest achievements his tireless efforts to bring a Phi Beta Kappa chapter to OSU.

Dr. Perry Gethner was the lay Rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Ponca City, OK for 38 years. Since 1986, he led every Shabbat, Passover Seder, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service, and Chanukah lighting. He was a student of the Bible and Jewish history. Most importantly, he was a mensch; a person of integrity, morality, dignity, with a sense of what is right and responsible. He was a huge part of the fabric of Temple Emanuel and his absence will leave a hole as big as the Dead Sea.

Perry sang opera, was a magnificent pianist and enjoyed many cultural events, most notably the Santa Fe Opera.

Friends and family will gather for a graveside service for Dr. Gethner Monday, November 27th, 2023, at 1:30pm at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 West Montrose Avenue, Norridge, Illinois 60706. Shiva to follow at Cucina Biagio, 7319 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60706 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Temple Emanuel Ponca City, OK in care of Chris Martens, Temple Emanuel Treasurer, 1501 Autumn Road, Ponca City, OK 74604

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Gethner family.