CAROL D. JOSEPHSON (HAMMES) GETCHELL
CAROL D. JOSEPHSON (HAMMES) GETCHELL
Carol D. Josephson (Hammes) Getchell passed away at the age of 79 years old at Our Town Memory Care in Tomah, WI, Jan. 19, 2024.
Carol was born in Hennepin County Minnesota Oct. 1, 1944, to Nelson Josephson and Mary Williams. She graduated high school in Edina, MN. After her mother passed away, Carol was especially grateful to her Uncle Dan Williams for taking her in when she had no other place to go.
Carol was married in June 1963 to Dennis Hammes and had three children. They later divorced. She married Daniel E. Getchell Jan. 10, 1987, at Roaring Creek Methodist Church. They shared a love that was everlasting.
While raising her family in Black River Falls, WI, she worked at John’s IGA and Jackson County Health and Human Services and later at Ho-Chunk Gaming-Black River Falls. After “retirement,” she worked at Black River Outlet Furniture for many years. She enjoyed these jobs because of her love of socializing.
Carol and Dan lived in Germany for four years where they were able to visit many other countries and experience those cultures. While there, they enjoyed participating in Volksmarche. Since Carol always enjoyed working and being with people, she went to work at Burger King.
During her free time, she enjoyed quilting, hiking and reading. One of Carol’s favorite things to do was to take road trips with Dan to casinos throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. She always had a cup of coffee ready for all visitors.
Carol always took care of others first. It was important to her to get up early to make the family breakfast. Throughout her life she remained loving, giving, smart and feisty.
Carol is survived by her husband, Dan of 37 years; sisters Kathy Brietich Anoka, MN, and Peggy (Tim) Galvin Mound, MN; children Kelly Harris and Harold “Bret” (Michelle) Hammes, Black River Falls, WI, and Clay (Becky) Hammes, Orfordville, WI; step-children Tammy (Kevin) Kubis Independence, WI, Tina (David) Saltzman, Randolph, MA, Teresa Getchell and Tara (Harry) Shawley, Melrose, WI, and Daniel J Getchell, La Crosse, WI; 25 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thomas Josephson; and brother-in-law John Brietich.
Carol’s love of animals was evident when she assisted with the fundraising for the first animal shelter in Black River Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Black River Falls, WI.
A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held at Neil S. Lewison American Legion Post 439, 303 N. Washington St., Melrose, WI., Feb. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. She will be interned at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, is assisting the family.