Jennie Getchel

Traverse City - Jennie Getchel, 96, of Traverse City passed away July 23, 2016 at Birchwood Nursing Center.

Jennie was born on August 31, 1919 in Traverse City to the late Rudolph and Antonia (Cerny) Blazek.

On May 23, 1939 Jennie married Watson Getchel in Traverse City. He passed away in 1963.

Jennie was a nurse's aide and retired from the Osteopathic and State Hospital in 1982. She enjoyed growing flowers, especially daffodils and roses. She liked to crochet, read her Bible, attend church, and in the spring search the woods for mushrooms. She was the true matriarch of her family and loved baby sitting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a large garden and enjoyed making jams, canning and freezing. Jennie was also a member of Bay View Wesleyan Church.

Jennie was preceded in death by her husband Watson, her siblings Bessie Meyer, Rudolph Blazek, Alice Schardt, Rose Bohrer, and Joseph Blazek; daughter Karolyn Belknap, son Wayne Getchel, infant son Paul and grandson Matt.

Jennie is survived by her children Larry M. Getchel of WA, Nancy Chappel, of Lake Ann, and Joseph (Karen) Getchel of WI and daughter-in-law Aida Getchel of CA; 15 grandchildren numerous great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bay View Wesleyan Best Years Fellowship.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.