Harriet Thermira Getter

Harriet Getter passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 5:30a at the age of 94, at San Ramon Regional Medical Center. She was surrounded by family and able to interact with visitors in the days preceding her death. She was born on July 22, 1928 (1st of 6 children) in Vernon County, Wisconsin to Ernest and Ada Tollefson, each of Norwegian Heritage, and was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. As the eldest, Harriet helped raise her younger siblings while also working on the family dairy farm. In 1945, she graduated from Viroqua High School (Honor Roll) and was an active student: Glee Club, Marching Band (clarinet), 4H, girls athletic association and the Senior Year Book. She received a Commercial Scholarship which she utilized after graduation to attend the College of Commerce in Minneapolis for Legal Stenography and bookkeeping, and worked as a Legal Secretary. In November, 1946, her mother passed away and she was called back to Viroqua to help her dad with a relocation to another farm and assist the family in raising the younger siblings. Harriet was a sophomore and Stub a junior when they went on their first date. They were a couple up until his passing in June 2021. They married on August 21, 1950 and then lived in Mpls. for 70 years. The Getters had 2 children, John, born December 1963 and Amy, October 1965, both who attended St. Anthony Village Highschool and later earned graduate degrees. John married Raelene Bankston and they currently reside in Stillwater with their 3 dogs and enjoy boating and outdoor activities. Amy moved to California, married Chris Cole and raised 3 boys in San Ramon, CA. Harriet loved business and excelled at her many jobs. Early on, she spent 12 years as an Office Supervisor at Buick, a Division of General Motors Corporation and only resigned to focus on raising her children. Five years later, she and Stub purchased the A&W in Columbia Heights (‘69-’86), and while Stub barbered, she managed the thriving community icon, providing jobs for many of the family friends and donating rootbeer to local softball leagues. Harriet loved being in the mix of all the young people. She was an active member of and volunteer for Nativity Lutheran Church; and, singing in the choir over the years brought her much joy. She was close with the neighbor moms, playing bridge regularly and also helped with school committees including the BlueBirds, Camp Fire Girls, 4H and regularly attended sporting events and activities at St. Anthony. After her children left home, she transitioned to an office role at the Horticulture Department at the University of Minnesota where she later retired in 2000. The couple moved into Cherrywood assisted living in 2018, making many new friends and then relocated to California in December 2020. After Stub’s passing, Harriet spent most weekends with the Coles, enjoying the grandchildren and their dog Lilly. She loved to sleep in late, have a good hearty breakfast, take a nap and then sit at our kitchen table to do her facebook, read the paper, eat a meal prepared by Chris, talk on the phone and watch movies or some “documentary, mystery or love story” series. Some of the couple’s favorite memories were summer vacations spent at a resort in Ely, fishing, and they often traveled to visit relatives in Viroqua, spent time in California and vacationed almost annually with the Coles. They cherished their days with the grandkids throughout the years. Harriet is survived by her children; John (Rae) Getter and Amy (Chris) Cole and grandchildren: Alexander Christian (25), Ryan Christopher (23) & Charles Christophe (19) as well as sibling Ron Tollefson (Jane) of Wilmington, DE and many nieces and nephews, to whom she was affectionately known as "Auntie Harriet". She is preceded in death by her husband Myron (Stub) Getter, her parents, and siblings: infant LeRoy, Clarice (Gordon) Orvold of Viroqua, WI; Les Tollefson (Lucille) of Viroqua, WI; and Elaine (Dick) Coy of Austin, TX. The family would like to thank the staff at Ivy Park Retirement Community for her 2 year stay and SR Regional for their compassionate care of Harriet in her last 8 days. To fulfill Harriet’s love of organ music, a “Nativity Pipe Organ Maintenance Endowment Fund” was established in her name. The organ was built in the rear sanctuary in 1967 and rebuilt in the front in 1986 while she was a vocalist. This fund will help support keeping it sounding beautiful. Memoriam gifts may be made to Nativity Lutheran Church. Condolences: c/o Harriet Getter, 230 Tewksbury Ct. San Ramon, CA 94583. Harriet was best known for her warmth with people, generous heart and joyful spirit. Hard working her entire life, she also enjoyed the outdoors, family pets and travel. Her greatest joy was spending time with her relatives, children and grandkids and her eyes glimmered whenever she spoke of others. She had timeless beauty and grace, always highlighting the best in people. Harriet was blessed with good health and after Stub’s passing, she was able to take 5 airplane trips, in spite of the pandemic, to see relatives and even attend the Omaha World College Baseball Series! She was confident, brave and a leader before her time. Even in her passing, she expressed gratitude and joy. We will fondly remember this “salt of the earth woman” and may her soul sing in the high heavens!

Tributes

Harriet Thermira Getter

July 22, 1928 - October 10, 2022

Tributes

Harriet Thermira Getter

July 22, 1928 - October 10, 2022

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