Douglas David Getter

Douglas David Getter, 77, passed away peacefully at Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City on May 29, 2025. Born in Kenosha, WI on September 18, 1947, he was the son of the late Orville and Kathryn Getter. As a child, Doug lived in Kenosha, Sparta and Beloit, WI before his family settled in Denison, IA. Doug graduated from Denison High School in 1965, and he attended Drake University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Finance (’69) and an MBA (’71). Doug was an avid supporter of Drake basketball, owning season tickets for many years. While in college, Doug enlisted and proudly served in the Iowa National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1975.

In 2006, serendipity reunited Doug with Loween Clayberg. 41 years after their high school graduation, the high school sweethearts’ paths crossed at a local community theater production. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Together, their already vibrant and engaged lives burned even brighter, and in 2007 they were married in Webster City, a town they lovingly called home. Together they travelled to lands near and far. Seeing so much of the world allowed Doug to hone his deep appreciation for culture, history, and what brings people together. Throughout his life, Doug never took a passive role in the communities in which he lived and instead he donated his time, talents, and energy across a variety of initiatives. Talking with Doug one could quickly see that he was a man of deep character and integrity. His was a life filled with doing the right thing, having real conversations about real topics, and treating people with respect and kindness. He was quick to smile, especially with his grandchildren, and showed patience to all who knew him.

Doug married Cheryl Boney in 1971 and the couple settled in Urbandale where they raised three children. Doug was an ardent supporter of his children’s activities, cheering them on with whatever their interests were. He could often be found shuttling them around, shooting baskets, playing catch, or kicking a soccer ball. He shared his love of playing cards and golf with his children and they continue to pass that love on to their families. The interest he showed in their lives is something his children and grandchildren will remember and cherish forever.

Investing time in the community was a priority for Doug. He believed in cultivating and supporting young minds and invested his time as a judge for Odyssey of the Mind and the US Academic Decathlon competitions, co-founded the Urbandale Academic Booster Club and Urbandale Kiwanis Club, served as a board member for Iowa Dollars for Scholars, served on the Heartland Area 11 Education Agency as a board member, and served on the Urbandale Community School Board from 1995 to 2004, including two terms as President from 1999-2002.

Doug was a past President and board member of the Urbandale Community Theater and was very active in helping the Webster City Community Theater thrive. Doug served on the City Council in Urbandale from 2005-2007, and in Webster City on the City Council from 2010-2013 and as Mayor from 2014-2015. Doug served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Council for three years, including one year as President. He even somehow found time to be a Certified Barbeque Judge by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Doug’s professional career included serving as the Executive Director of the Iowa Biotechnology Association from 1997 until his retirement in 2010. In his role, he helped grow and develop the life sciences industry in Iowa and more than quadrupled the Association’s membership. Prior to leading the Iowa Biotech Association, Doug was actively involved in economic development, technology policy and entrepreneurial business development in the state of Iowa for more than 25 years working with both Governor Ray and Governor Branstad. Doug was instrumental in promoting adoption and expansion of gasohol (ethanol) to the state of Iowa.

Doug is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 17 years, Loween (Schroeder) Getter; children Dave (Chantel) of Urbandale, Paul (Kara) of Milwaukee, and Anne (Bob) Wiersma of Johnston; step-children Aaron Clayberg of Urbandale and Nate (Kelly) Clayberg of Independence; 11 grandchildren; his brother Gerald (Pat) Getter of Corning, IA; his sister Pam (Bob) Duncan of Lincoln, NE; and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Orville and Kathryn Getter and his nephew Parker Getter.

Doug will be sorely missed by all the communities he aided with his time and talents. His family will miss everything about him from his homemade lefse and his love of cherry pie to his very vocal objection to mashed potatoes and peas.

Memorial gifts in Doug’s honor are invited to the made to the Riverview Early Childhood Center (www.dmf.iphiview.com or a check payable to Riverview and mailed to Enhanced Hamilton County, 501 Bank St, Webster City, Iowa 50595) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate).

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City and one hour before the Memorial Service. Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the church. A burial will take place at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the services.