James A. Hartung

James A. Hartung, age 86, of Menomonie, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009.

Jim was born on April 18, 1923, in Eau Galle. He was the son of Edward and Maude (Weinzirl) Hartung. Jim married Carol Gasteyer on Sept. 25, 1945, in Eau Galle.

He farmed for many years in the Eau Galle area before moving to Menomonie. Jim worked for more than 30 years selling farm equipment for Badger Northland and retired in 1986. Jim spent his early retirement years as an active member in local politics, serving proudly as a member of the Menomonie City Council, Dunn County Board of Supervisors and many sub-committees, especially Land Conservation and the Dunn County Fair Board.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, fishing, gardening, travel, practical jokes and playing cards. Of all the success that he had attained in his long life, Jim was most proud of his family and all they had accomplished.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol; and his nine children, Mary (Jerry) Benson of Woodbury, Minn., Ruth (Mike) Kasten of Rosemount, Minn., Jim (Dawn), Mike, both of Elmwood, Kathy (Mark) Sommer of Vista, Calif., Jan (Mike) Rohde of Madison, Peter (Kristin) of Tomah, Cindy (John) Smetana of St. Paul, Minn., and Tony (Tracey) of Cloquet, Minn.; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty (George) Plummer of Durand; one brother, Robert (Betty) Hartung of Elmwood; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: two infant brothers, Raymond and Edward, Fr. Edward, Carl and Wayne; and one sister, Margaret Voss.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Menomonie on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery in Eau Galle. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to Mass at the church on Friday.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thirumalai and Dr. Hanna, the caregivers at Comforts of Home, especially Sarah, Hazel and Calli, and Hospice Care for the loving support they provided.

Arrangements by the Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.rhielfuneralhome.com">www.rhielfuneralhome.com.