Obituary: James Henry "Putz" Gatchell

James "Putz" Henry Gatchell, 90, of Villa Vista in Cromwell passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. He was born May 4, 1934, in Fargo, the son of Charles and Pearly (Pope) Getchell.

As a child he moved to Menahga, Minnesota, working the farm with his family and learning his life skill of a self-taught mechanic, later working at Stock Tire and Cloquet Transit, retiring at age 62.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Bena, Minnesota, where he would fish every day to make sure there was enough fish for the fry on Friday evenings. His two greatest enjoyments in life were hunting with his boys and going to Family Tradition Restaurant in Cloquet with his son, Tom, to meet the gang for coffee during the week.

Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Emily and Irene (Albert); brothers, Ernest, Clifford (Delores), and Melvin (Sarah); and his ex-wife, Dianne Irene Underland, whom he married in 1961. He will be deeply missed by his sons, David and Thomas (Nancy) Getchell; daughter, Kathy (Mark) Sheff; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Villa Vista for their unsurpassed care and to the Community Memorial Hospital Comfort Care for their outstanding compassion. Also, special thanks to Mike Charles for his understanding, compassionate friendship with our dad. You're the best!

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct.19, at the Cloquet Moose Club, 702 Cloquet Ave. All in attendance are welcome to join the family for a lunch served throughout the gathering. Arrangements are by Nelson Funeral Care.

Pine Knot News, Oct. 18, 2024