Don Getzen

Video

Oral History Information

Don Getzen sure knew the history of the band instruments made in the mid-west! Don’s father was the plant manager for the Holton Company in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, his oldest uncle was the plant manager for the York Band Instrument Company in Michigan and at the same time his other uncle was the plant manager for the CG Conn Company in Elkhart, Indiana. In 1939 Don’s father formed the Getzen Company where he and his brother Bob worked growing up. Don later established DEG Musical in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for which he designed several innovative products, two of which he held patents.