Dorothy M. Gettman

GARNER:  Dorothy M. Johnson Gettman, 82, of Concord Care Center, Garner, died suddenly, Monday, May 26, 2008, surrounded by family at the home of her daughter in Clear Lake.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday (May 31, 2008) at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the church service.  Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church.
 
Dorothy Marie Johnson was born February 11, 1926, in Northwood, to Walter and Myrtle (Bighley) Johnson. The fourth child and only daughter, she was adored by her three older brothers and her parents.  Through her school years, she began to use her beautiful voice, competing locally and statewide in many vocal contests. Her family later moved to Mason City. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1945.
 
 She married G. Robert Gettman on August 3, 1945.  In the first year the couple opened a gas station and diner, The Lunch Box, in Clear Lake, with his brother Ray and his wife Marge (who was Dorothys best friend.)  The venture was short lived.  She later became a mother and housewife. For many years, Dorothy was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mason City and offered her singing talents for the Church Choir, solos, weddings and funerals. She was a featured soloist on a local television variety show, and for municipal band concerts.    She also volunteered for many local charities.  In 1984 she was divorced.  In 1989 she and her close friend, Lloyd Nielsen, moved to Wildwood, Florida, to enjoy retirement years in the warm weather.  All through her life she continued to share her gift of song.  Her voice will be missed by all who had the pleasure of hearing it.
 
 She is survived by her four daughters: Rita Duffield and her husband John of Summerfield, FL, Wendy Moser and her husband Robert of Clear Lake, IA and Naples, FL, Connie Iske and her husband Don of Loves Park, IL, and Penny Torres and her husband Rob of Cliffside Park, New Jersey; Seven grandchildren:  Lisa, Jodie, Jamison, Heidi, Greg, Lonnie and Nathan; six great grandchildren:  Brandon, Cheyanne, Dalton, Parker, Holden and Carson, and her former husband and good friend, Bob Gettman.
 
Her parents, her brothers, and her friend, Lloyd Nielsen, preceded her in death.

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church.

Cemetery:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Visitation:
Visitation will be one hour prior to the church service.

Service:
10:30 AM, Saturday, May 31, 2008 at First United Methodist Church