James Fredrick Getskow

James Fredrick Getskow went to be with Jesus in heaven on May 21, 2024.  In the final years of his life, he battled dementia. He passed away peacefully at St. Elizabeth’s in Wabasha, Minnesota.   James was born on April 13, 1942, in Hartland, Minnesota, to Willis and Esther (Borge) Getskow. 

Throughout his long life, he spent his early years growing up and working on the family farm between Hartland and Freeborn.  After he graduated from Freeborn High School in 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country for four years.  He was honorably discharged as a Vietnam Era Veteran on August 27, 1964. Upon returning to civilian life, he attended Winona State College, where he earned both a bachelor's degree in industrial education and a master's degree in teaching.  While attending college, he worked in the art department at ASCO/Wincraft creating sports pennants.  James also met his wife Karen at ASCO.  After graduation, James taught industrial arts at Brookwood High School, in Ontario, WI and at Tomah High School in Tomah, WI for a total of nine years.  He then moved his family to Colorado Springs, CO and worked as a real estate agent before becoming the owner and operator of his own painting contracting business for 36 years. In 2019, he retired and moved to Buffalo City, WI with his wife Karen, to whom he was married for 54 years at the time of his passing.  

Jim was an avid fan of all Minnesota sports teams.  He loved bowling, playing golf, dancing, and spending time with his family.  He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.   

James was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Getskow (Getzkow), Esther (Borge) Getskow Johnson, his stepfather Clarence R Johnson and his siblings Harold, George, Donald, Stanley, and Betty Hanson. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Heinemann), his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, John (Jackie) Getskow, his sister, Margaret (Dale) Detjen, brother-in-law Leslie (Linda) Heinemann, three sisters-in-law, Kathy Ames, Marla (Donald) Wagner, and Kris (Craig) Shelton. 

A church service will be held on June 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church, 401 S. Main St, Cochrane, Wisconsin.