Floyd Gettman

Floyd Thomas Gettman passed away in death September 13, 2024 in Waukon at 89 years of age. There is going to be a Memorial Service for Floyd Sunday, September 29 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Elkader.

He is preceded in death by his older sisters, LaVonne Grover and Mildred Allen. He is survived by his younger brother, Art and his wife Donna, of Columbia, MO; his sister-in-law, Mary Clarke of Mocksville, NC; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ruth Allen of Hickory, NC; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Floyd was born March 19, 1935 in Mason City. His parents were John and Blanche Gettman. The family moved from Mason City to an 80-acre farm in Garner when Floyd was 10 years old. He grew up working hard with the family and came to be a kind, caring, and friendly adult who made many friends. He graduated from Garner High School in 1953.

After school Floyd started in the full-time volunteer ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, enjoying telling others about Bible truths. In 1954, an opportunity opened up for Floyd to move to Monona. A friend, Jamie Miller, moved with him and they lived a couple miles east of town on a farm. They could stay for free if they worked around the farm. He continued on to serve as a minister in the Waukon-Monona area for 70 years.

Floyd fell in love with Helen Sherbonda and they were married in Monona September 13, 1958. They enjoyed their married lives together in Luana for 58 years until Helen passed away in 2016. He enjoyed a special relationship with his in-laws over the years, living on the same property.

He had a real love for people and was known for helping ones in need. He was very generous in giving an encouraging word when someone needed it. He and Helen loved to laugh and joke. They enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and many fishing trips up North to Lake of the Woods, Canada.

Floyd found work doing various jobs including spending about 15 years running the Monona sawmill and working out of Bangor, WI for Webster Lumber Co. in several responsibilities, including overseeing log buying.

Floyd lived a very full life. He loved being around people and having extensive conversations on the phone. He had a fondness for animals. He loved to be in the woods enjoying birds, flowers, and trees. He would often say that God created all these things because He loves us as humans.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona is helping the family with arrangements.