Dennis Getz of Glendive passed away at his Wibaux ranch June 6, 2017.
Dennis was born February 23, 1951 in Baker to Kenneth Earl Getz and Dorothy Elaine Steiber Getz. He spent his childhood years exploring the hills, gullies and caves of Makoshika with his brothers, Dale and Brian. Dennis attended Glendive schools graduating from Dawson County High School in 1969. After high school, he continued his education at Brigham Young University where he graduated with honors in 1974 with a degree in sociology.
Dennis worked hard his whole life starting out as a paper boy for the Billings Gazette. During high school, he worked as a technician for KXGN Radio and TV. Dennis worked his way through college by working at Heaps of Pizza in Provo, Utah during the school year and on railroad crews during the summer. After graduating from BYU, he worked as a meat cutter for Safeway and as a project director for ACTION for Eastern Montana. He then went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked for over three decades, retiring in 2011. While working on the railroad Dennis also had other ventures. He started a successful bicycle business in Glendive called Breakaway Bikes, and became a rancher, where his lifelong love of horses flourished.
Dennis was a friend to everyone. Dennis’ skills of careful listening, of easy, non-judgmental conversation, and a quick sense of humor were appreciated by all he met. Everywhere he went, Dennis treated all with the same deference, the same thoughtfulness, the same kindness. Dennis was a welcomed friend no matter where he went, even a sought-after friend, because of his good nature, his easy, casual manner, and his respect for his fellow men. This respect guided him as he served with kindness, compassion, and honor in the Montana State Legislature.
He is survived by his mother, Dorothy, of Glendive; his siblings including, his sister, Melissa (Jay) Berg of Glendive; his brother, Brian (Lori) Getz of Avila Beach, Calif.; and brother, Dale (Dawn) Getz of Billings. He was admired and deeply loved by many nieces and nephews who were and will continue to be inspired by their Uncle Dennis’ music, wit, sensitivity, kindness and goodness.
He will be greatly missed.