Donald J. Hartshorn

1937 - 2025

Donald J. Hartshorn
Born: May 23, 1937 in Ottawa, IL
Died: May 30, 2025 in Rockford, IL
Donald J. Hartshorn, 88, of Leland, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, in the presence of his loving family.
Don was born May 23, 1937 in Ottawa, Illinois to Harold and Bertha (Heiman) Hartshorn. He married Deanna "Dee" (Wells) Ludwig on October 7, 1995 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Don is survived by his loving wife, Dee, daughters Lisa (Dave) Fink of Huntley, IL and Amy Colussy of Cranberry Twp., PA and step-son Tim (Leslie) Ludwig of Millbrook, IL. He also leaves grandchildren, Sophia "Bean", Natalie "Peanut", Lukas "Max" and Kamila "Pickle"; a sister Judie McConville of Ottawa as well as many nieces and nephews; mother-in law Martha Blanco of Leland and sister-in-law Dorothy Wells of Cocoa, FL. Don was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Dale Hartshorn and three sisters, Mary Barnett, Dorothy Polancic and Helen Tress.
Don served in the Illinois National Guard for 10 years, attaining the rank of SFC. He owned and operated Hartshorn Insurance Agency for 35 years where he made numerous friends and business associates. Don was a 54-year member and past master of St. John's Lodge #13 A.F. & A.M.; Scottish Rite of Peoria and York Rite in Ottawa. He was a longtime member and past exalted ruler of the Ottawa Elks Lodge; a member and past president of the Ottawa Kiwanis Club and also served as Kiwanis District Governor. Don worked at the AASHO test road as a lab technician for 4 years during which he cut rows of corn to establish Interstate 80. He was a longtime member of the Illinois Valley Radio Patrol Club, building and flying model airplanes. Don enjoyed nature, learning about history, cooking, and loved John Wayne movies. He was quick to laugh, share a story or a joke, and enjoyed conversation with anyone. Through his involvement with civic groups, he enjoyed giving back to the community and would help anyone anytime. Don's family was everything to him and his most cherished time was that spent with his loving family and beloved pets. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Visitation will be from 10 AM to Noon Wednesday, June 4 at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Masonic rites will begin at Noon Wednesday, followed by a Memorial Service with Rev. Bill Clark officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospital, the Leland, IL Ambulance Service (815-495-2341) or the Somonauk, IL Ambulance Service (815-498-2218). To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.