Adolph ‘Abe’ W. Getzloff
BARK RIVER — Adolph “Abe” W. Getzloff, 84, of Bark River, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 15, 1939 in Escanaba, son of Arthur J. and Edna M. (VanEnkevort) Getzloff. Abe was raised in Harris and graduated from Bark River-Harris School in 1957.
On June 2, 1962, Abe married the former Jill Marion Sundquist at St. George’s Church in Bark River.
Abe was a third generation farmer on the family dairy farm. He was a hard worker who loved farming and being on his tractors, which he enjoyed up to his passing. He also drove bus for Bark River-Harris Schools for 40 years, retiring in 2005.
He enjoyed woodworking, making maple syrup each spring, and loved BR-H sports. Abe loved spending time with his family and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Abe also looked forward to the Bark River Off Road Races where he was also in charge of watering the track for 42 years.
A lifelong resident of the Harris community, he took pride in being a member of the school board for eight years. He was also a life-long member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where he served as usher.
Among survivors are his wife of 61 years, Jill of Bark River; children, Carolyn (Paul) Cole of Wilson, Jeanne (Todd) Lippens of Bark River, Michael (Darcy) Getzloff of Wilson, and Daniel (Christa) Getzloff of Wilson; son-in-law, David Bovin of Two Rivers, Wis.; 12 grandchildren, Nicole, Jeremy, John, Justin, Ryan, Nicholas, Cherish, Michael, Colten, Ava, Adrianna, and Logan; 11 great-grandchildren, Brynn, Hannah, Skylar, Cora, Gage, Griffin, Georgia, Hoyt, Hank, Beckham, and Mila; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, his was preceded in death by two daughters, Lori Getzloff and Mary Beth Bovin; and four siblings, Arthur, John, and Glenn Getzloff and Mary Barnhill.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, there will be a meal in the church hall.
Burial will take place in the Bark River Township Cemetery on Wednesday, November 15, at 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. A scholarship in Abe’s name will be established for Bark River-Harris School at a later date. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.