William Herman "Buz" Getzke

William H. Getzke, known affectionately as "Buz," of Apalachin, NY, was called to his heavenly home on August 10, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold H. and Peggy J. Getzke of Owego, NY. Buz is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Nancy L. Getzke (née Sanford); his four children, Travis W. Getzke (Denise Lopez) of Richford, NY, Reed J. Getzke of Endicott, NY, Taylor M. Getzke of Oxford, NY, and Dr. Rebecca J. Getzke of Baltimore, MD; and his two grandsons, Parker and Riley Getzke of Endicott, NY. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Tara Jill Getzke Arpino (David Schumaker) of Auburn, NY, and Annette Poole of Auburn, AL, along with many other family members and friends. Born on December 27, 1953, in Endicott, NY, Buz was raised in Owego, NY. He attended Tioga Central School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to the State University of New York at Brockport, earning a B.S. in Physical Education in December 1975. Buz began his teaching career at the newly merged Cairo-Durham School District in Cairo, NY, in September 1976. Buz dedicated his 33-year career to Cairo Elementary School, where he made significant contributions to the district, including expanding the physical education curriculum and establishing a diverse after-school intramural program. He also played a key role in developing the Girls Varsity Athletics program, coaching softball, soccer, and basketball teams for over a decade and leading them to numerous league, sectional, and regional titles. Buz's love for his wife, Nancy, was a shining example of deep and steadfast devotion, and they celebrated 48 years of marriage this year. Their relationship was a lesson in patience and love for all who knew them, embodying a unwavering commitment to each other, bound through Christ. Together, they shared a profound faith in the Lord, actively participating in their church community at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cairo, NY. Buz served as head usher, was on the church council, and sang in the choir. In 2016, he returned to his home area of the Southern Tier and served as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Owego, NY. An avid outdoorsman, Buz enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Nancy, where they were involved with Ascension Lutheran Church. He was also a dedicated member of the Tioga County Sportsman Association and cherished time spent with family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:00AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 3917 Waverly Rd, Owego, NY 13827 with Rev. Timm Heath, officiating. Family and friends are invited to call at Richards Funeral Home, 3670 Waverly Road, Owego on Thursday August 15, 2024 from 4-6pm and again on Friday 10-11 at the church. Burial will be in Nichols Cemetery. In honor of Buz, please consider a donation to Zion Lutheran Church or sharing a memory at www.RichardsFH.com