Robert N. Hartjes
June 11, 1927 - March 11, 2024
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Robert Nicholas Hartjes, age 96, of Middleton, Wis., died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, March 11, 2024. Bob was born in 1927 in Freedom, Wis., and grew up in nearby Little Chute. After graduating from St. John High School, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46. He completed his undergraduate degree at St. Norbert College and his master’s degree in business at Loyola University. In 1951, he married Mary Jane Dercks of Little Chute. After stops in Stevens Point, Oshkosh, and Appleton, they settled in Little Chute where Bob established Hartjes Insurance in 1958.
In 1970 Bob and Mary Jane built a cottage on Lake Moshawquit where the family enjoyed many summer weekends. It was a place where their five children and 13 grandchildren gathered for 40 years. After Bob sold the insurance agency in 1992, he and Mary Jane enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers, Fla. They moved to Middleton in 2003 to be near their children who all reside in Dane County.
Bob was a loyal husband and devoted father who made many sacrifices for the benefit of his family. He was always available to help out, regardless of personal inconvenience. With his ‘trusty trailer’ he facilitated too many moves to count for children and grandchildren. Bob had a lifelong passion for baseball, which he played and coached for many years. He served on the St. John school board in Little Chute and was involved with numerous other community organizations, including volunteer work for Meals on Wheels while living in Middleton post-retirement.
His faith was central in his life, and he attended daily Mass throughout most of his years. He enjoyed vibrant health, a loving marriage spanning 72 years, and countless blessings.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; son, Dr. Thomas (Laurie) Hartjes; son, Dr. Bradley (Susan) Hartjes; daughter, Valerie Hartjes; son, Dr. Joel (Lindsay) Hartjes; and daughter, Stacey (Mike) Sanders. He is also survived by grandchildren, Liz Hartjes (Will Monteith) and Julia Hartjes (Ashwin Cadambi); Kristin Hartjes, Michelle (Ben) Murphy, and Jennifer Hartjes; Casey Grigg-Hartjes; Tyler (Adrienne) Hartjes and Ellen (Jake) Johnson; and Nicholas, Benjamin, Margaret, Rebecca, and Rachel Sanders. He is further survived by great-grandchildren, Sophia Monteith; Ava and Declan Murphy; Sawyer and Maverick Johnson; and Willow Hartjes.
A visitation will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.
The family wishes to thank the care providers of All Saints Memory Care and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate support. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Ann Braus and all the UW Health Geriatric team as well as the Carbone Cancer Center staff. If desired, donations may be directed to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761