Ronald Gettman

Ronald Gettman, 73, of Browns Valley, MN, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at his residence.

No formal services will be held at this time.

Ronald Raymond Gettman was born on April 15, 1952, in Browns Valley, MN, to Raymond and Patricia (Allen) Gettman. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Ronald attended school through the ninth grade before beginning a lifelong career as an autobody mechanic. He had a gift for repairing, painting, and restoring cars, and eventually became the proud owner and operator of Gettman’s Auto Store.

On September 3, 1976, Ronald married Judy Haggerty at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Browns Valley. They made their home in Browns Valley and were blessed with one son, Dustin. After living in town until the mid-1990s, they moved a house just outside of Browns Valley in 1997, where they resided until September 2025 before moving back into Browns Valley.

Ronald had a love for collecting coins and miniature cars, and he especially enjoyed riding motorcycles. Some of his favorite moments were taking road trips with his son, Dustin and good friends, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. He shared a close and loving bond with his sisters, Carol and Kathy. Ronald also had a deep love for his Labrador retrievers, Molly and Buddy, who brought him great joy throughout the years.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Judy Gettman of Browns Valley, MN; his son, Dustin Gettman of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law, Cheryl Bahr of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers-in-law: Greg (Nancy) Haggerty of Dell Rapids, SD; Keith (Cindy) Haggerty of Browns Valley, MN; Ike Haggerty of Aberdeen, SD; and William “Bill” (Donna) Barknecht of Battle Lake, MN; many nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved 10 o’clock garage crew.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father and stepmother: Raymond and Gretchen Gettman; his mother, Patricia Elm; his sisters: Carol Barknecht and Kathy (David Schwagel) Anderson; and his brother-in-law, Wilfred “Wilford” Anderson.