Leon Charles Getz

Leon Charles Getz shared his long life of 87 years with many wonderful friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. He passed away in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. He is survived by his children Kristy and Glenn, his daughter-in-law Amy, his grandchildren Madeline and Quinn, and his late wife Nancy’s children Brenda, Sandy, and Mary and their families. He enjoyed a satisfying life filled with good times, interesting challenges, and loving family and friends.

An only child, he and his parents Murry and Gladys Getz traveled and moved often, both because his father worked for the U.S. Public Health Service and because his parents loved travel and camping. Leon joined the Coast Guard after high school and was stationed in Alaska. He attended college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he met his first wife (Glenna Dickson) and earned his degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, Leon and Glenna settled in Anchorage, Alaska, and started a family (their children Glenn and Kristy). Leon worked as an engineer first with the Army Corps of Engineers and then with the Federal Aviation Administration. He and his family enjoyed living in Alaska and exploring its natural wonders, building a cabin at Big Beaver Lake, camping at a variety of sites in Alaska and Canada, and traveling to Hawaii and New Mexico for memorable vacations.

Leon met his second wife (Nancy Wheeler) in Anchorage, and they enjoyed a new life together for many years. They eventually retired and moved to the apartments at Good Samaritan in Las Cruces, New Mexico – where his parents had retired years before. He loved eating with friends there, playing Mexican Train Dominos with the folks in Building E, making vases and bowls on the lathe in the wood shop, and fiddling with a variety of projects in his apartment. He was an avid musician and during his life enjoyed singing as well as playing the guitar, banjo, ukulele, dulcimer, and even the bagpipes.

Leon was a sweet and friendly soul who loved to talk, watch old westerns on television, make music, and give warm hugs. He especially loved his children, his grandchildren, and his many step grandchildren. His family and friends will miss him dearly, but they take comfort knowing that Leon enjoyed a long life that was well-lived.