Robert Keith Getsinger

Robert Keith Getsinger passed away Wednesday, October 03, 2012 at his home in Rigby of natural causes. Keith was born May 24, 1929 in Lovell, Wyoming to William Joseph Getsinger and Iva May Hickman Getsinger. The family moved to Iowa for a short time before moving back to the family homestead in Lorenzo, ID. Keith enlisted in the US Navy in 1948; he served aboard the USS Boxer during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He married Shirley Lou Garland in August of 1952. They had four daughters, Deborah, Karen, Merry Jo and Tammy. They were later divorced. On December 27, 1975 he married Karol Smith; together they raised a son Jeffery. Keith was also a special uncle to Steven Hansen. Keith loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He loved to take his girls on weekend drives to explore Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. In his later years, he collected classic car models and antiques. He loved gardening, birdwatching and feeding squirrels. He worked for 17 years at Challenge Creamery in Idaho Falls; he drove truck, set up mobile homes, and was a member of the laborer’s union when he retired in 1994. He was willing to do any kind of work to raise his kids. He lived for several years in Washington, and spent most of his life in the Rigby or Idaho Falls areas. Survivors include his wife, Karol Getsinger, daughters, Deborah (Vern) Ford, Merry (Troy) Covington, Tammy Landon, all of Idaho Falls, Karen Austin, of Billings, MT, son, Jeffery (Mimi) Smith, of Pocatello, sisters, Laura Wilda Whittaker of Idaho Falls, Nea Mae Hayes of Rigby, Eleven grandchildren, six great- grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, two Brothers, John Leo and Boyd Getsinger. The family expresses their gratitude to Hands of Hope Hospice for the loving care of their Dad. At Keith’s request a private family memorial will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.