Arthur Robert Getzelman

Arthur Robert “Bob” Getzelman, age 74, died on November 5, 2024. He was born in St. Charles, Illinois in 1950. He graduated from Hampshire High School before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science at the University of Illinois. He joined the Peace Corps in 1972, meeting his wife Christine Hogan while living in Tunisia, Africa. Bob and Chris married on November 2, 1974 and moved back to Champaign, Illinois, where Bob completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1980.

Bob, or “Baba” as his grandchildren affectionately knew him, was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hiking, and camping, and he looked forward to yearly extended camping trips with his family. He loved music, especially classic rock. He loved sports, especially attending football, hockey, and baseball games with his family. He enjoyed Trivia Pursuit, Risk, and was always up for a game of Hearts; his ability to count cards meant that he won more than his share of rounds. Baba loved his grandchildren more than anything, and he was an expert at making them laugh.

Bob is survived by his wife, Christine, their children, Matthew (Nicole) Getzelman, Sarah (Alfie) Magnatta, and Katie (Greg) Ewing, and his grandchildren Eleanor Getzelman, Sophia and Madeline Magnatta, and Mason and Cooper Ewing. He is also survived by his siblings Jean (Jim) Travi, Tom (Brenda) Getzelman, and Ann (Brian Sebastian) Getzelman, in addition to many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Shirley Getzelman.

Bob’s wishes were to be cremated and returned to the mountains. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Illinois.