June 19, 1924 - Nov. 6, 2014
Virgil Michael Getto was born in Fallon, Nevada, June 19, 1924, and he passed away at his home in Fallon on November 6, 2014 at the age of 90. Virgil still resided on the Centennial Farm established by his father, Andrew, in 1911. Virgil continued to farm into his 80’s. His son, Mik,e farms this land now. Virgil attended school in Fallon and graduated from Churchill County High School. He was Junior class President, Student Body President, and a Future Farmers of America National Officer from 1945 to1 946. At this time, he met President Harry S. Trumann at the National FFA Congress. Virgil married Barbara Mason in 1947. They had four children: Mike, Andrea, David, and Marlea - three of whom have survived him. Virgil worked diligently on the family farm and expanded his operations multiple times. He entered public service in 1962, being elected to the local school board on which he served until he was recruited to run for State Assembly in 1966. He campaigned heavily, developing the “door to door” tactic which served him well in subsequent elections. Upon the retirement of a legislative mentor, Virgil was appointed to fill the vacancy in the Nevada State Senate. He ultimately served in the Nevada legislature for 24 years. The Nevada Assembly honored Virgil by including him on the “Wall of Distinction” in 2007. His support of the Community College System resulted in Western Nevada College naming a building on the Fallon Campus in his honor “Virgil Getto Hall”. He was a strong supporter for agriculture, water issues, and education. Virgil’s public service continued for decades beyond his legislative Retirement, both locally and state-wide, as he served on The Churchill County Museum Board, The Senior Center Board, and The Western Nevada Foundation Board. His agricultural efforts also continued into his 80’s, a common sight being the elderly farmer on his 4-wheeler along the Lovelock Highway, and on and about his farm. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Desolina Getto; son, David M. Getto. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia (Stark) Getto, his children, V. Michael Getto; Andrea G. Caldwell; Marlea G. McKinstry and his only sibling, sister, Mary G. Carter. He is also survived by his step-children, Bill Heiss, Scott (Julie) Heiss, and Kerry Sexton; grandchildren, Darcy A. Carpenter; Guiseppe Getto; Annie Rojas; Duncan Getto; Kelsey M. Caldwell; Torry and Kristy Heiss; Barrett and Georgia Heiss; Lindsey and Loren Sexton; great-grandchildren, Nikki and Aspen Rojas. The family wishes to thank his loving caregivers, Dell and Anna Williams, Sharon Chambers, and Mae Beech. Remembrances can be sent in memory of Virgil to Churchill County Museum 1050 Maine St. or Churchill Art Council PO Box 2204 Fallon, NV. 89406. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:00 A M. at St Patrick’s Catholic Church 850 West 4th St. Fallon, NV. A Celebration of Virgil’s life will be at 11:30 on Friday at The Gardens Funeral Home with interment to follow in The Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of The Gardens Funeral Home 2949 Austin Highway Fallon, NV. 89406 775 423-8928
