Christina M. Getty

RIO - Christina Marie Getty, age 53, of Rio, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on September 25, 1972, in Oak Park, Ill., the daughter of Kenton and Lois (Johnsen) Getty.

Christina graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School Class of 1990, and then from Northland College in Ashland, Wis., in 1994. She was an enthusiastic, loyal and devoted Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan. Her kitchen is completely covered in Packers memorabilia and the family room is Badgers-themed. Her passion for her Wisconsin teams had no limit!

Christina had a special love for animals and worked for many years as a zookeeper at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, Ill. She especially enjoyed working with raptors and large cats. Her lifelong love for animals was evident in her home where she had dogs, cats, frogs, snakes, and even a bearded dragon as pets. Later, Christina worked in a variety of management positions and ended up getting into the finance industry working her way up from teller to financial specialist at UW Credit Union in Madison.

More than anything else, she cherished her time spent with family and lovingly called, wrote, or checked in with her loved ones whenever she could.

Christina is survived by her sister, Jennifer (Michael Schappe) Getty; fiancé, Eric Freesmeyer; and cousins, Katherine (Marybeth Wilk) Brophy, Timothy (Lisa) Brophy and Edward Brophy. She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt Selma and uncle Jim Brophy; and her grandparents.

A graveside service will be held at NATURAL PATH SANCTUARY - FARLEY CENTER, 2299 Spring Rose Road, Verona, at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025. A celebration of Christina’s life will also be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society (giveshelter.org) or Columbia County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, 711 E. Cook St., Portage, WI 53901. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420