Gerald C. Gettig

On December 28, 2025, Gerald (Jerry) Clayton Gettig passed peacefully in his Griffith home surrounded by his beloved wife and children at the age of 82. He was born on June 12, 1943 in East Chicago, Indiana to Gerald and Easter (Nee Houchins) Gettig. 

Preceded in death by his mother, Easter L. Zech, elder brother John Szozda, father Gerald Sr., and stepfather Jacob Abshire. Jerry leaves behind an immense legacy. He is survived by his adoring wife, Cheryl, and their children (The Savvy Seven) - Denise (nee Gettig) Winter, Brad (Dawn) Gettig, Jennifer (Mark) Isaac, Erik Gettig, Jacob Gettig, Kristopher (Beth) Gettig, and Ryan Gettig, as well as 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Louise Szozda, and many extended family members. 

As a student at Morton Senior High School in Hammond, Jerry was introduced by a mutual friend to Cheryl Bielak, a “cute, little auburn-haired girl,” in 1960. They were married on September 8, 1962 and spent 65 beautiful years together building a life and their family. Eventually settling in Griffith, Indiana, Cheryl was a devoted mother and homemaker while Jerry supported their expanding family as a union crane operator with Heckett Engineering at Local 150 Inland Steel. He retired after 37 years of faithful service.

Colloquially known as 'Red' by his friends, Jerry was an avid bowler, golfer, baritone family party singer, and a humble man who led his family with a gentle grace. He was an ardent sci-fi reader, a passionate Bears and Cubs fan, and an endearing sentimentalist. Jerry was truly content with the simple things in life: black coffee in the morning and beer in the evening, while relaxing in his Levi 514's and his armchair. The very definition of the word “dad”, Jerry was a steady, loyal, and loving patriarch. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 1400 S. Broad Street, Griffith, IN, on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 10am to 4pm. A buffet-style lunch will be served at 11:30am. Family requests to send any flowers the week of the celebration of life directly to Knights of Columbus. 

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