ROBERT A. "ROCKY" GETZ
January 2, 1952 - May 31, 2020

"Just read about Rocky in the fall MSU alumni magazine. So sorry for all his friends and family. I have not seen him in over 48 years, but we met and lived on the same floor in Emmons Hall during the 1971-72 school year. He was a serious student and very proud of his hometown.......and talked about it constantly. If I remember correctly he had a real nice car with him at MSU, too. Over the years I had wondered if he was still on the UP working for the family business. Sounds like he had a great life. Thanks, Rocky, for being a friend as we studied hard during that school year."

"I am so sorry that Rocky, that sweet young boy I knew briefly in the early sixties, as Roger?s kid brother, has left us too soon. On occasional visits to Marquette I observed him presiding over the store with the same kindness and hospitality of his dad and aunt that made it ? the ? place when I was young. My condolences to his entire family. May his memory be a blessing."

"Like everyone, I was devastated to learn of Rocky\'s passing. I worked at Getz\'s in the late 1970\'s and early 1980\'s. I often say it was the first job I ever had, and the best job I ever had, and Rocky was my first and best boss. Everyone at Getz\'s was so nice to me. Ted, Richard, Kenny, Mac, Lucille and Elsie, and Mildred too. I miss you all. Rocky was a true friend. He even helped me get into college. Rocky helped me be a better person. To Carol, Tina, and John, I\'m so sorry for your loss. The world is diminished without him. -Chris"

"Rocky was such a gentle, compassionate and light-filled soul!! HIs legacy will live on in the hearts of all who passed through the doors of his passion-Getz\'s Department Store. A true Marquette icon. Sending prayers and blessings to his family. Rita and Tony Ebli"

"Carol and family We want you to know how very sorry and saddened We are of Rockys passing. HE was a wonderful guy. He was always so helpful an d kind whenever entering the store he will be missed . SINCERELY, Liz & Mime Fletcher"

"We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Rocky.. What a guy.. one of a kind.. I will never forget his telephone to see how i was doing after we had met at Mayos. He was one of the most considerate people of his time.. May you rest in peace my friend pain free..prayers and hugs to his whole family. (bobbie brooks) "

"Carol and Family - Lee and I are heartbroken for all of you. Rocky was such a good man. He took good care of my Dad at Getz\'s for many years. We are thinking of you on this sad day."

"I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Rocky Getz. He was a wonderful and understanding man. I enjoyed working for Rocky at the store. He will sadly missed. Rest in peace Rocky. Sharon Dale"

"Extending our sincere sympathy to ALL of Rocky?s family! Talking with him while shopping at Getz?s was always a genuine pleasure over the years. Although his life was cut short, our fond memories remain! Linda Goodman and family"

"I remember Rocky from school. We had a couple of dates, to a movie, such a fine man... Blessings to the family.. Linda Horton Dix"

"I worked at Getz?s as a teen for four years from high school into college and it was by far my favorite job! Rocky was funny and I cherish our many conversations we shared at work. He was such a good man and loved what he did. I was so excited when he would come back from his clothing shows in Vegas and let me help pick out what brands and pieces to carry in our third floor denim dept. Always smiling is what I will remember him by. He will be missed by so many. Thank you Rock for teaching me good work ethic and how to fold perfectly ?? Rest in piece dear friend. "

"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"

"I first met Rock in 1978 at the store. he loved to tell the story how my brother Rick and i took a charter bus to a Brewers game in 1979 and when we got off bus we were parked right next to Rocky. i am so grateful i made a trip up to see Rocky and Carol at their home in late February to see Rocky in person. i will never forget this great human being. He cared so much for everyone and treated us all with respect. My condolences to all the Getz family. I am sorry I am not able to be at the service. RIP my friend. John Olson, Green Bay, Wi."

"My condolences. Greg melka "

"Condolences from your friends at Birkenstock. David & Lori Kahan "

"Rocky, such a kind human, you will be missed by many, Rest In Peace sweet soul. "

"Our condolences to Carol and all of Rocky\'s family. Many good times on Wilson Street back in the day. Rest in Peace, Rocky."

"Never ran into him that he wasn\'t cheerful and smiling. Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this difficult time."

"We have many fond memories of Rocky at Getz. May the Lord embrace him and grant Him peace.. Suzanne and Miike Crowley "

"Rocky, we love you man. You and Carol were fine hosts, great company and wonderful friends. We will always remember you as a man of peace, grace and love. We wish you farewell for now, knowing you are headed to a far better place you so rightfully deserve. May we all meet again in an eternal life."

"I grew up downstate, but my family is from Marquette. I still went to Getz?s whenever we were in town. I started working retail at 14 and would always ?talk shop? with Rocky and the guys, even running into him on a buying trip in Chicago. We would talk about how the business had changed, and got tougher, but also how there were wonderful opportunities. Rocky had an old-school understanding of his trade but at the same time an amazingly open mind and a wonderfully optimistic approach. He always took the time for a chat and was just as interested in what was going on with me as he was to share the latest goings on in the shop. I sit here now thinking: my goodness, what a wonderful man who will be missed by so many! Sending Carol & family best wishes from the Corys in Bernried, Bavaria, Germany"

"We are deeply saddened to hear about Rocky. He was such a loyal and supportive friend through the years. Truly one-of-a- kind; greatly loved, admired and respected by many. We will always be grateful for his friendship and the memories and will miss him dearly. Thinking of Carol and family during this time. -Denise, Hotch & Aubree "

"Very saddened to hear of Rocky\'s passing. My heart goes out to Carol and family and all who will miss him. I have fond memories of Rocky and looked up to him. I cherish memories of the Getz store, his parents Auntie Mil and Uncle Ted, Roger, and Marquette. So very sorry for your loss Carol."

"I\'m heart broken to hear this news. Prayers being said for family and friends! Such a genuinely nice man. Rest in peace. It\'s a very sad day."

"My condolences to Carol and the whole family on Rocky?s passing. He was a good-humored man, always ready with a smile, and a kind word. I remember him especially from the Wilson Street years. Rest in peace, Rocky. "

"Carol I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you during these trying times"

"When I think of \"Rocky\" I think of an intelligent,wise, humble, and quiet man. A man who loved and was loved. Rest in peace my friend. I believe there are some wonderful people waiting to see you on the other side."

"Rocky was a classmate and much more than that, a true friend. We go back a long way, we were in the same math class together in Jr. High and used to laugh our butts off whenever teacher Donald Bowers would say to the class \"what a bunch of meatheads\". I would see Rocky from time to time and I especially remember once when I lived in a house on Ohio St next to the park, Rocky was walking by one day and I was sitting on the porch with a beer. He stopped and we had a beverage (a beer actually) together and reminisced about the good ole days. That was a special day in my life as I had just been thru a divorce and he lifted my spirits as Rocky had a knack for doing. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace my friend and my deepest sympathy to the family."

"Rocky was such a wonderful person. So kind and genuine and I always loved seeing him and catching up at the shows. He was indeed loved by the entire menswear industry and he will be missed by all of us. My sympathies to you Carol and your entire family. RIP Rocky. "

"Rocky was such an inspiration. The interactions I had with him were always memorable and I feel blessed to have met him. He was completely genuine and authentic. What a huge legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts are prayers are with the Getz family. -Chris Chambers"

"So sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the welcoming faces when I came to Marquette Senior High School in my junior year. When I moved away, I always made it a point to stop by and say hi on return visits to Marquette."

"We are so sorry to hear of Rocky\'s passing. We were neighbors for awhile. Growing up in Marquette I also knew Rocky from Getz. Our family shopped there for years. Rocky always greeted us with a smile and friendly conversation. We send our condolences to Carol and family. Bill and Donna"

"Rocky was such a kind and gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He made the world a better place just by being here. "

"I am so sorry to hear of Rocky\'s passing. We were childhood friends and I remember running around the store and skating on Parkview\'s outdoor rink. My condolences to his family. May he RIP..."

"Thoughts and prayers go out to Rockys family. We will miss his smiling face and good conversation when we frequent his store! RIP Rocky ?"

"Rocky was always kind and attentive when talking with him. A truly gentle soul. He will be missed greatly by our community. "

"Rocky always provided a welcoming smile and greeting to all. I recall seeing him after my return to Marquette, he remained the ambassador of the store as I remembered. He will be missed."

"I have known Rocky my whole life. I first started \"shopping\" at Getz as a little baby (Elsie and the other Getz ladies would take holding me) while my grandmother and mother shopped. Throughout the many years (nearly 50) Rocky and I would visit and catch up. He would often bring over a dress to me and say \"I knew you would love this, the second I saw it!\" For the record, he was always spot on:) He always would talk of his family (he was so proud and loved you all so much.). His smile was infectious, he fought such a battle with incredible positivity and courage. He will be missed by all that had the good fortune of knowing such a truly kind man. Our deepest sympathy to your entire family! The Smith Family (Patti, Dave, Spencer, and Cooper)"

"As a fellow ?whitefish lover? I?m sure Rocky is at peace and smiling down on us. Carol I hope you can find peace remain strong. His legacy lives on..."

"Carol and family, Susan and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you. Rock was one of the kindest and genuine individuals ever ! He always had a kind word, took personal interest in you and made time to come by and visit even though we both knew my lines weren\'t right for the store. My fondest memories were dining together in Madison and working out in the gym together. His energy and drive to beat his illness was incredible. I will miss him and his warm smile. May he rest in peace. "

"He was one of a kind. Never a bad thing to say about anyone. I am blessed to have known him. May he fly with the angels"

"He was one of a kind. Never a bad thing to say about anyone. I am blessed to have known him. May he fly with the angels"

"Rocky was considered by vendors of his department store as the icon of all the independent stores across most of the United States. His gentle and sincere manner of doing business will be greatly missed. I always will appreciate how he passed on his personality to his employees and gave dignity to me as a minority. I will greatly miss you Rocky., Carol and family, my deepest condolences and prayers that you will find peace and be blessed knowing Rocky is in a better place and free of pain. Peter Yeh "

"There are just not many better people anywhere. RIP"

"Rocky was one of my best friends in High School. I cherish the fun times we had, so many great memories doing silly stuff. R.I.P. my friend and see you on the other side."

"You will be missed dear friend,, former best boss, and the best brother in law a person ever had. Quita wright?"

"Rocky made everyone feel welcome and I?m glad that I had the pleasure of meeting him, his wife and staff, as he gave me a tour of Getz?s ?behind the scenes?. Even took me up in the old elevator. He was so proud of his store. What a beautiful legacy he leaves behind! Thank you for the wonderful memories Rocky! Be at Peace, my friend! ??? Your friend, Nurse Danyel "

"Rock was the best retailer I know. His drive and his passion was inspiring. I had so many great years discussing product lines with Rock. Our industry will miss him. My best Carol and his family. "

"Rocky was a wonderful man and uncle. I cannot remember him ever saying a bad word against anyone. What a loving spouse he was to my Aunt Carol and terrific father he became to Tina and John. I will always cherish fun times meeting up in New York, Florida and Las Vegas. Bill and I will be raising a \"Cat-a-tonic\" in toast. Until we meet again I know you are soaring with the Angels. Much love and condolences, Nancy, Bill, Brian and Matthew Watson"

"Rocky was a wonderful man and uncle! I do not remember him ever saying a bad word against anyone. What a loving spouse he was to my Aunt Carol and terrific f1qather he became for Tina and John! I\'ll never forget the good times we had meeting up in New York, Florida and Las Vegas. Bill and I will be raising a \"Cat-a-tonic\" in toast to Rocky. We love you and know you are soaring with the angels. With love and condolences, Nancy, Bill, Brian and Matthew Watson"

"Carol and family, so sorry for your loss. Rocky and I became friends while playing on the basketball team in Jr.High. That friendship continued to this day. After leaving Marquette in 1976 I didn?t see him as often as I would have liked. However, when we came back to town, I would occasionally stop at the store to say Hi. It was like we had just seen each other yesterday! We would usually spend the time laughing about things we had done in the past. Next visit.....same thing. So many fond memories. He truly was a kind, gentle, man. This is friendship that I will remember fondly. Rest In Peace Rocky."

"Reading through these condolences, confirms my belief that Rocky was one of the finest men that I have been privileged to know. My deepest sympathy to Carol, his family, and the Marquette Community "

"Deepest sympathy to the entire family. Rocky was an institution of the finest caliber. He has been missed at the store. The trio of Richard , Denny and Rocky worked in tandem for so many years- never failing to find just what was needed. You were well respected by my family- Rest in Peace dear man, knowing you were loved. "

"I am so very sorry to hear that Rocky has passed. What a good man, he was always so kind! I so appreciated his support of the Children?s Museum. I am so very deeply sorry!!! "

"Rocky Getz will always be a man I look up to in life. A man of passion and kindness, he put his whole soul into whatever he was doing at that moment. I am so grateful to have gotten to know him through my time on the Getzs sales floor. If he was having a conversation with you he was with you 100%. He cared deeply for his employees and his presence will forever be felt among the walls of Getz?s Clothiers. His constant smile and go-get-em energy will be missed not only in the storefront but within the Marquette community as a whole. Grief is the price we pay for love. My heart is with all family and close friends who survive him, and with the many whose lives he impacted for the better."

"Rock Always the kindest, friendliness and brilliant smile to greet me throughout the years! Thanks- RIP Rico"

"Rocky, you leave great memories but a huge vacuum. Was so honored to know you. Carol, hugs and I?ll see you next time I?m up."

"I feel so lucky to have known Rocky Getz. Some of the best lessons of my life were learned by his example while I worked the floor at Getz?s. He was someone who put faith in me as a young man and took me under his wing. I have fond memories of conversations while on the Men?s Dept. sales floor, Denim Dept., and later with launch of Getzs.com. He will forever be in my heart and I know he will be sorely missed by the Marquette community. Thank you, Rock, for all of your inspiration."

"One of my best friends growing up - We shared a love of baseball cards with his brother Larry - Unfortunately I was a white Sox fan and the Rock loved the Yankees so we?d buy packs of baseball cards from the Spot and I?d trade him all my Mickey Mantle cards for Luis Aparicio cards - Pretty sure that he came out on the right side of that deal and maybe paved the way for his shrewd business sense!!"

"Carol and Richard, Rocky?s memory will be cherished by many of us who share high school and college era memories. What a great guy! What a wonderful sense of humor. Will miss him dearly. "

"God Bless you Rocky for all the wonderful things that you have done for the community of Marquette."

"Rocky was one of the good guys. Always a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers to the family."

"Rocky - such a beautiful soul. Always greeted with a smile at the store. I looked for him whenever going in there. He will surely be missed.ay he rest In Peace. Thinking of you all sending big hugs "

"Carol, I\'m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. He will be forever missed. Linda Zorza"

"Dear Carol, Richard and Family, this news broke my heart. Rocky will ever be remembered by me for his smile and kindness. I\'d like to think that Toms spirit met him with a hug, a scotch, a beer and a cigar. He\'s going to be missed a lot! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sondra"