Marilyn Getz

Marilyn June Hawk Getz, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Donna Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetary, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial gifts in lieu of flowers be made to the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church – Marilyn Getz Memorial Fund.
Marilyn was born on August 5, 1931 in Sterling, Illinois. She was the daughter of Clarence George and Fern Elizabeth (Burch) Hawk. She was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1949. After high school, Marilyn entered nurses training at the West Suburban Hospital School for Nurses in Oak Park, Illinois, which at the time was affiliated with Wheaton College. She received her R.N. degree in 1952 and on September 21, 1952 was married to Paul Frederick Getz.
Marilyn and Paul had five children, John David, Herbert, William, Gretchen and Steven. Marilyn and Paul established their home on the former D.C. Weidman farm west of Center Hill, a farm which they would later purchase and grow into a substantial dairy business. After their marriage, Marilyn also worked as a Registered Nurse at Savanna City Hospital for several years until devoting herself full time to raising the couple's four children and maintaining an active farm home. She worked for a time in the 1970's as a rural mail carrier. In 1985 she began a second career in social work serving senior citizens, first as a case worker for the Carroll County Council on Aging and later for Lutheran Social Services, until her retirement in 1999. Even though she was no longer working as a nurse, Marilyn enjoyed being of service to anyone in need.
Marilyn was an active member of the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church for over 60 years, where she was a member of the Mary Martha Circle. She was also active in many other local organizations, including the Preston Prairie Household Science Club, the Jacobstown Community Club, the 4-C's Club and, most important to her and Paul, their Card Club which was a special group of six couples who met monthly for over 50 years. Marilyn was an avid reader, enjoyed playing games of all sorts and was an accomplished baker, known particularly for her most excellent pecan pies.
Marilyn is survived by her children Herb (Susan) of Naperville, Gretchen (Mark Harris) of Hartland, Wisconsin and Steve (Brenda) Getz, who are the current residents of Marilyn and Paul's long time farm home on Route 64 west of Center Hill. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Paul, a brother (James Hawk), two sons (John David and William), one grandson (Jason Getz) and both parents.