Bernel Edwin Getter

Bernel “Bernie” Edwin Getter

“I would have been a beggar on the street. He would find people herding cattle, cutting wood, or wandering in the jungle, then provide them with an education.  He gave us much, but most of all, he gave us Jesus. He taught us about God’s love, mercy, and grace.”

These are the sentiments of a high school Hindi teacher in rural India where Bernel Getter, together with his faithful wife Sally Joan McNamara, worked for 66 years to build schools and churches, develop sports programs, spearhead agriculture, health, and nutrition initiatives, dig clean water wells, train mechanics, and most importantly preach the gospel.

Bernel “Bernie” passed away on the morning of May 16, 2019 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Montrose, Colorado.  Born to Pearl and Nina Getter on October 29, 1925, Bernie grew up on the family farm, attended Minnesota Bible College, married his college classmate Joan in 1947, and set sail for India in January 1948.  He returned to the United States in October 2014.

He is preceded in death by his son Kenneth Allen in 1970, his wife Joan in 2005, and foster son Samphal Wangyal.  He is survived by brother Myron Getter and sisters Janice Parmly and Patricia DelaMater; daughters Kathryn Lindquist, Ronda Ren (Tim), Deborah Getter, Sharon Mitchell (Malcolm), Barbara Rothgeb (Dennis) and son Timothy Getter (Eileen); six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Bernie” and countless Indian friends and family who affectionately called him “Papa”.

The world has lost a good man, a servant and friend to all regardless of caste, ethnicity, religion or economic status; a humble visionary who dined with maharajas and the poorest of the poor; an enterprising free spirit with an unending sense of humor.  His work and legacy will live on in the initiatives he established and the people he impacted.

Condolences may be sent to Kathryn Lindquist at 15501 Zirconium St NW, Ramsey, Mn 55303.  Tax deductible memorials may be sent to Partner Serve India at the same address.