Arnold "Arnie" Gettel

Lifelong farmer, community servant, family man, and man of God, Arnold “Arnie” Gettel passed on to his Heavenly glory on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in the home he built for his family near Power, Montana. Dolores, his loving wife of almost 75 years, was at his side.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Power with The Reverend Justin Herman officiating. Interment at the Manchester Cemetery and a luncheon and community gathering at the American Legion Hall in Power will follow the service.

Arnold was born the first of four children to Rudolph and Regina Gettel in Somers, Montana on November 4, 1930. The next year, Arnie and his family moved to Power, where his dad and mom began farming, a career he would join with his grandfather, father, and later with his sons and grandsons. As a child, Arnie attended the Heveron one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Power High School, valedictorian of his class in 1948. On October 8, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Johnson. Together they dedicated their love and lives to raising a family of four children and building a successful farming operation on the dryland east of Power.

Arnie was committed to his Lord, content in life, and he used the talents God gave him to lovingly care for his family and serve the community. He wasn’t known to be much of a talker. Rather, Arnie guided his children and was a leader in the community through his example of contentment, patience, and thoughtful listening. His interest in community service led him to receive a Kellogg Company Fellowship and leadership development training courses from Montana State University. The trust people had in his character, values, and judgment resulted in his election to three terms as a Teton County Commissioner, 10 years on the Power School Board, and 8 years on the Power Farmers Elevator Board. He was on the advisory boards of the Soil Conservation District and Agricultural Experiment Station. Arnie was a lifelong and confirmed member of Zion Lutheran Church in Power and his love of Jesus and commitment to his congregation led to 74 years of service in positions of church leadership.
Arnie was known to be a creative and innovative problem solver. He was one of the first farmers in the region to use no-till farming practices. He received the Goodyear Conservation Award for his outstanding accomplishments in resource conservation, and he was awarded Outstanding Commissioner by the Montana Weed Control Association. As a skilled mechanic and fabricator, he could fix almost anything on the farm and was always there to help any neighbor in need of assistance. Whether it was helping his children work through the challenges of life or finding ways to bring people together to improve roads and emergency services in the county, Arnie was there to listen, lead, and serve.

Arnie enjoyed hunting and fishing, and many days were spent with his children and grandchildren out in the mountains, hills, and on the reservoirs of north central Montana in search of fish and game to fill the freezer. In their younger years, Arnie and Dolores loved to go dancing and play cards with friends. Later, he enjoyed flying his Cessna 182 which included several out-of-state trips with Dolores. They also traveled to Hawaii and one of his favorite trips was to Australia and New Zealand; on commercial airplanes, not the Cessna. Arnie took up the craft of stained glass and made many beautiful clocks, nativity sets, and windows, some of which adorn the sanctuary of Zion Lutheran Church. For several years he donated his creations to the Power Harvest Fest fundraiser; another example of his commitment and love for his community.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Emily Dixon and Esther Poor. He is survived by his forever-loving wife, Dolores; sister, Dorothy Naumann; daughter, Diane (Duane) Asmus; sons, David (Patti), Steve (Mary), and Roger (Jayne); grandchildren, Erin (Stacy) Bucher, Lynsie Gettel, Nathan (Elycia) Asmus, Josh (Candace) Asmus, Rose (Justin) Herman, Clayton Gettel, Grace Gettel, Chelsea (Tannur) Oakes, Calvin (Carly) Gettel, Rudy Gettel; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Arnie’s family wishes to thank Dr. Warr and the staff at Stillwater Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.

Memorials in Arnie’s honor may be made to Zion Lutheran Church; the ALS Association; or the donor’s choice.