Thomas W. Gettel

THOMAS WATT GETTEL of Pigeon, age 55, died Tuesday, March 03, 2015.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Pigeon, with Reverend John Britt officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be from 3-8 PM, Friday, March 6th at the church and from 1-2 PM on Saturday, March 7.

Tom was born in Pigeon on March 4, 1959, and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Laker High School in 1977. He attended Michigan State University which reinforced his love of farming and he eventually took over the family business, Gettel Farms. Tom loved farming, motors and music. He restored corvettes and motorcycles, and frequently covered songs by Pearl Jam and James Taylor on his drum set. Tom loved riding his motorcycles, skiing and vacations to warm places. He enjoyed documenting his travels and made many keepsake videos for his family.

Tom is survived by his wife Rebecca; daughters, Erin of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kate of Grand Rapids, Michigan; step children Austin, Elle, and Jax McCabe, residing at home; mother, Mary Gettel-Guyer (Gordon Guyer) of East Lansing, Michigan; sister, Peggy (Dave) McCormick of Pigeon; brother, Paul Gettel of Switzerland; nieces, Marisa and Lauren McCormick and Olivia Gettel; nephew, Charles McCormick; and the family of Gordon Guyer. He was preceded in death by his father, Loren Gettel.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Pigeon, Hayes United Methodist Church, or the Pigeon Food Pantry.