Deacon Gettemeier was married to the late Josephine (nee Wiese) Gettemeier. In the 1970s, he learned about the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of St. Louis through his involvement with Charismatic Renewal, along with a timely bulletin announcement. His parish, the former St. Dismas in Florissant, recommended him for the program.

He was ordained on Jan. 29, 1977, by Cardinal John J. Carberry, as a member of the first class of permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Deacon Gettemeier was assigned to serve at St. Dismas Parish (now known as St. Rose Philippine Duchesne). In addition to his liturgical duties at Mass, he also presided at baptism, wedding and funeral services, Communion services in local nursing homes. He also coordinated and taught in his parish, the RCIA program and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Deacon Gettemeier worked in construction, built a few rectories and convents for the archdiocese and helped develop subdivisions for his family’s real-estate firm. He was a banker before going into full-time ministry as a chaplain St. Mary’s Hospital. He wrote about his service as a deacon, including a self-published book, “Thy Kingdom Come,” which was sold through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He is survived by four children, Daniel Gettemeier, Mary Kay Noss, Nancy Schomburg and Patty Lenkman; and a sister, Sister Loretto Gettemeier, DC. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Florissant.