John Hartle

John Lee Hartle, loving father, grandfather and brother, passed peacefully at Homestead Hospice House on June 15, 2016 at the age of 83 with family by his side. Born on July 14, 1932 in Owatonna, MN to Leo and Marie Seykora Hartle, Dad was the oldest of three children. A lifelong resident of Owatonna, Dad attended Owatonna High School and spent summers working on the railroad and nearby nursery. He attended St. John's University in Collegeville, MN and went on to serve in the Army stationed in Fort Sill, OK. Dad married Elizabeth Anderson Hartle and together they had two daughters, later divorcing. Dad returned to Owatonna and spent his career in the credit department at Jostens until retirement. It was here that he made many friends and shared good times. Dad was the ultimate Midwest man; ice fishing, water skiing, trapping, self-taught taxidermy and duck hunting. He enjoyed summers on French Lake fishing with his daughters and perfecting his archery skills for the upcoming bow season. Dad was an avid gardener who took much pride in his lily garden and numerous tomato plants. His love of the outdoors and nature was a gift he shared with his two daughters and grandchildren. Dad was a loyal man who treasured his family and friendships. He was a man of faith who generously gave his time, opinion, love and incredible gift of conversation. He had a twinkle in his blue eyes and a smile that made even a stranger feel welcome. His records meticulous, he kept tally of his scratch ticket winnings! Never one to pass up a treat, Dad enjoyed homemade cookies and bars. An evening wasn't complete without a trip to the ice box for ice cream or a few candy kisses. Dad courageously fought Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for many years. He will be deeply missed by his daughter Meg Swimelar of Bothell, WA, his son-in-law Wes Swimelar and his grandchildren Katy Swimelar (Saint Paul, MN) and Ben Swimelar ( Bothell, WA). He is also survived by his loving caretaker and sister Barbara Hartle (Owatonna, MN). Dad was preceded in death by his daughter Julia Hartle, his parents, and his sister Mary Jean Fenn. The family is grateful Dad passed peacefully and would like to express their sincere gratitude for the dignified care he received from Homestead Hospice House and "Schoenie" (Dr. Michael Schoeneman), who not only provided years of care but many opportunities to share hunting and fishing stories. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Homestead Hospice House; 2350 NW 26th Street- MR 57743, Owatonna MN 55060 or a local charity of donors choice. A celebration of his life will be 10:30 AM Friday, August 12, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna with a one hour visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery.