Dana Sterling Getman

July 15th, 1946 - October 15th, 2023

Dana 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Dana here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

What can I say about a person who I consider to be the best boss I ever had? Having worked for Dana almost 30 years, I have so many great memories. When my mother was gravely ill, and in the hospital, he told me to take what time I needed to care for her as well as myself. When my husband passed away suddenly, he told me he would do my job for as long as it would take until I was ready to return to work. Then, there was the time I called him saying I was ill and had to miss a meeting. The next thing I knew he was at my front door with a package of Pedialyte. This is the reason why no one should ever call in sick if they are not sick. Your boss may just show up at your door with a package of Pedialyte.

Dana encouraged his employees to continue their education. Whether it be taking a community education class, a technical training class, finishing their GED, or advancing in their college education. Every employee at Getman Corporation was given the opportunity to learn and grow in their careers. Under Dana’s leadership, many lives were changed for the better, including mine.

Ruth Reilly

October 20th, 2023 at 5:55pm

I’ve known Dana and worked for his company for over 30 years. So many wonderful memories of him as a leader and as a friend. Dana approached every interaction with his complete attention. He had a way of making you feel like whatever you had to say was the most important thing he needed to hear and that he would give you all the time you needed. He was unfailingly kind, thoughtful, witty, supportive, and fun. It was wonderful to witness the joy and love that he and Teresa shared and the love he had for his family. I will never forget his impact on my life and how grateful I am to have known him.

Andrea Singleton

October 20th, 2023 at 3:56pm

Dear Teresa and all the family. My heart breaks for you. Dana was one of a kind. He was our class president back in 1964-he was already going above the ordinary. He contributed so much to South Haven in all fields. I am so glad we had a chance to talk just a month ago. Whenever I saw him he had a smile and a funny comment. He will be missed . Your family has so many memories- hold each other close. My prayers are with you all.

Suzanne Williams Scott

October 20th, 2023 at 9:15am

Seeing Dana and Teresa together was a master class in connection, community, and charisma. Each uplifted the other to even greater heights of their own natural gifts. Years ago, I attended an autumn gathering at their home and had some of the best conversations with others I had known for years - and it was that Getman spark making the moment more meaningful. The deep kindness of that magic connection lives on forever, Teresa.

Cheri Stein

October 18th, 2023 at 10:07am

Dana was a great influence to me at the start of my career at Getman Corporation. I loved his loyalty to his employees. He was always very friendly and loved to talk to everyone. He treated everyone as equal and wanted all to succeed. Over the last few years I have talked to him here and there when he would come to Getman. He always remembered me and asked how I was doing and what I was currently doing at Getman. I will miss him greatly.