Philip Lee “Phil” Getchell, 85, of rural West Burlington, died Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.
Born February 7, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, he was the son of Harold Wayne and Mary Evangeline Getchell. He was a 1958 graduate of Burlington High School.
He married Marjorie D. Stigge on September 19, 1959, at the Prairie Grove Church.
Phil was a lifelong farmer and for the past several years did so alongside his son. He worked for Modern Welding for 34 years, served as a Reserve Deputy for the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department for 15 years, drove the school bus for Danville Schools for 11 years and worked at 34 Raceway for many years pumping fuel for cars.
He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.
He enjoyed restoring antique tractors, hunting, fishing and of course farming.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie Getchell; son Dave (Jennifer) Getchell; daughter Kayleen (Brad) Mehaffy; four grandchildren, Damian (Jordan) Getchell, Chris (Erin) Mehaffy, Nick (Crystal) Mehaffy, Kimberly (Dylan) Graham, Shelby Tolle and Savannah Dowell; nine great grandchildren and brother Melvin (Judy) Getchell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Wanda Waterman and Sharon Getchell and daughter-in-law Rosalie Getchell.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 27th, at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 28th at Peace Lutheran Church. Pastor James Zuehls will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Grove Cemetery, rural West Burlington.
Memorials have been established for Peace Lutheran Church and Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com