Richard Stanley Gettel was born April 12, 1947, in Melrose, MN, the son of Ben and Mae (Denzer) Gettel. At the young age of two, he moved with his family to the Lengby, MN, area where he grew up on the Gettel family farm. Rick attended the Uran Country School through the 8th grade and went on to graduate from Mahnomen High School. Following high school, he moved back to Melrose and worked at the Jennie-O Turkey Factory. After several years, Rick moved to Litchfield, MN, where he was employed by Hutchtech. While working for Hutchtech, Rick received the President's Award, a very high honor for him.

He later moved to Mahnomen, MN, for a few years, before moving to Florida in 1998 where he helped his nephew, Gerald, start an herbal business. In 2000, Rick moved back to Mahnomen and met Cheryl Turpin. They were united in marriage on August 21, 2000, and have made their home together east of Mahnomen since that time. The couple also owned and operated Little Hands Daycare and Ma and Pa Gettels Wilderness Camp for Kids, both closing in 2005. Rick also worked for a time at Swenbergs Fabrication in Fosston, MN, before his current employment as a set-up supervisor at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. Rick died Sunday, February 1, 2009, in his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by his family. He was 61 years old.

Whether he was hunting, fishing or trapping, Rick loved the outdoors. He could often be found just spending time in the woods or by the lake. He enjoyed camping, logging and planting new trees, especially fruit trees. Rick's grandchildren were his pride and joy, with each of them holding a special place in his heart. He liked to spend time with his brother, Mark, along with his nieces and nephews.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, Mahnomen; daughter, Angela (Eric) Bertram, Bertha, MN; sons, Richard W. Gettel, Pollack, LA, and Todd Gettel, Mahnomen; step-sons: Michael Turpin, Mahnomen, Nakoa Graff, Mahnomen, and Richard Turpin, Naytahwaush, MN;15 grandchildren; two sisters, Connie (Earl) Stringer, Bagley, MN, and Sarah (Richard) Falk, Wheaton, WY; two brothers, Mark Gettel, Lengby, MN, and Wally Klosner, Litchfield, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Melissa; a sister, Frances; and six brothers: Walter, August, Ed, Lawrence, Virgil, and Stanley.

A time of gathering was held Friday, February 6, 2009 from 5-6 pm with a sunset memorial service beginning at 6 pm all at the Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, MN.