Leroy H. Getchell Jr.

Bud Getchell, 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025 at Trillium House in Marquette, MI.
He was born on March 27, 1934 in Boston, Massechusetts to Leroy and Ella (Buddington) Getchell.
Bud attended Springfield College where he played basketball and baseball. As captain, he led his baseball team to the College World Series and he was selected to first team All-American as a second baseman. In 1955 he earned a degree in Phyiscal Education and Coaching. He received his Masters degree from Ball State University and he received his doctorate degree in Exercise physiology from the University of Illinois in 1965.
Bud married Aline Pratte in 1955 and raised two children.
Bud was a professor at Ball State University for over 30 years. While at Ball State, he was the head basketball coach from 1968 to 1972. He left coaching and became a catalyst in the development of the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State. His focus on health and wellness awarded him with a membership to the American College of Sports Medicine. As a leader in health and fitness, he directed adult fitness programs, participated in research projects and authored several books on physical fitness and wellness. Before retiring, he took a position as the Executive Director at The National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indianapolis. He ended his career teaching at Indiana University in 1996.
Bud enjoyed many activities including running, golf, skiing, photography and model railroading. After retirement he and Aline moved to their beloved Lake House located on Glen Lake in Glen Arbor. Many family memories were made there and will be cherished forever. They later moved to Freedom Village, an independent living senior community in Holland. They lived in Holland for 8 years before moving to Marquette to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Surviving are his wife, Aline, daughter, Kathy (Mike) Horton of Marquette, grandchildren, Andrew (Molly) Getchell of Hudsonville, MI, Alex (Kristen) Getchell of Franklin IN, Tyler (Claire) Horton of Hood River, OR and Brianne (Steve) Farr of Marquette. Also surviving are his great grandchildren: Luke Getchell, Hannah Getchell, Madelyn Getchell, Matilda Farr, Gifford Horton, Rosie Farr and Neah Horton.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Chipman and son, James Getchell.
The family wants to give special thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice and the Trillium House.
Honoring Bud's wishes, no public services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial donations can be directed to the Trillium House in Marquette.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com