Olive Mae Hartwig (née Goth)

Olive Mae Hartwig (née Goth)

March 09, 1919 - May 13, 2025

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Obituary

MIDDLETON, Wis. - Olive Hartwig, lovingly known as Mae, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 106. Born on March 9, 1919, she was the youngest of five children born to parents, Martin and Mabel (née Denu) Goth. She was married to Howard Hartwig for 54 years and they had two children, Thomas and Donna.


Mae was known for her love of arts, music, travel, and of course her clever humor and extreme kindness. She was proud of her German heritage and her family’s role in helping shape the German American community and First Lutheran Church in Middleton. She was also a dedicated member of West Middleton Lutheran Church where she and Howard were married.


Mae was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son; and four siblings, Donald Goth, Eldon Goth, Royce Goth and Bernice Peterson. She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Terry Hipenbecker) Rane; grandchildren, Christina (Cameron) Harvey, Andrea Rane and Tom Rane; and great-grandchildren, Austin Derene, Taylor Derene and Jonah Rane. Mae is also survived by countless friends and extended family that she held dear.


A service to celebrate Mae’s life will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Verona, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A burial will follow the service at Sunset Memory Gardens on Mineral Point Road, Madison.


In lieu of gifts, donations may be made to West Middleton Lutheran Church, 3763 Pioneer Rd., Verona, WI 53593. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761



Events

21
Visitation
Wed May 21, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
West Middleton Lutheran Church • 3763 Pioneer Rd, Verona, WI 53593
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21
Funeral Service
Wed May 21, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
West Middleton Lutheran Church • 3763 Pioneer Rd, Verona, WI 53593
Get Directions

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Olive
AH
A Memorial Tree was planted for Olive Mae Hartwig
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
TH
Terry Hipenbecker
Other •
Mae had a great 106 years. She was a great lady and loving mother of Donna. May God Bless. Terry H
A
Anonymous
Other •
We love you and will miss you Auntie Mae - Karen and Bob Hartwig, Jennie, Brad, Kent and Jeff.
NM
Nancy Miller
Other •
Mae was a lasting part of my childhood memories of the gatherings of the Goth families either at the farm or our house in Madison. Of dinners, picnics around the old fireplace, euchre games, & singing around the piano while Howard played. I will miss her! Nancy Reiter Miller
GS
Gregory L Sheehy
Other •
I was honored to be Olive Mae Hartwig’s physician until I retired in 2011. In addition, I was also blest to be her husband’s physician until Howard past away several years ago. Mae and Howard were wonderful people and I loved seeing them in clinic, whenever there was a need. Both had great smiles and were always pleasant and kind. Whatever I did for them, they did more for me. They lift people up, no matter the situation or circumstance. As an aside, my recollection is that Mae directed the scheduling of weddings celebrated at First Lutheran Church on Pleasant View Road in Middleton. And she loved doing this. For those who have never seen this small, white church, a drive by is warranted. It is beautifully set on a hill, with still some farm land viewable in the distance. My sympathy goes out to her daughter, Donna, and the extended Goth-Hartwig family. Rest in peace, Mae. Gregory L Sheehy MD
CM
Clint Miller
Other •
Donna and family; Patty and I are so sorry we cannot be there to celebrate Mae's life. I have fond memories of playing in the barn and nearby woods. I remember music and laughter in the house. Most I remember Mae's stories and recollection of family history. Clint (Patty) Miller son of Nancy (Gerald) Reiter Miller (cousins).

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