Christopher James Hartlage

Christopher James Hartlage passed away with his family by his side after a courageous two-year battle with Stage 4 four kidney cancer.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 28th, 1955, Chris was the youngest of three children to Evelyn Meagher Hartlage and Kenneth Lamar Hartlage. He attended St. Columba Grade School and Flaget High School. He went on to attend the University of Louisville as a student-athlete on a golf scholarship.
Beginning at a young age, Chris balanced academics, golf and helping with the family business, Hartlage Meats.
He continued to devote time and energy to the business and after college, he began his career helping to take Hartlage Meats to new heights. He continued his successful career in the food industry at Dawson Baker Packing, Raque Distributing and Advantage Waypoint following the sale of his family business. He also spent time in asbestos abatement at Micro Analytics.
Chris' smile was big and his heart even bigger. The love Chris had for his family and friends was immeasurable. He cherished his time with his daughters, Christine and Allison. He enjoyed the little and big moments as they were growing up, including supporting them in their various endeavors whether sports and/or theatre. He treasured the memories made with family at the numerous gatherings his parents hosted, as well as playing golf at Shawnee golf course.
He was extremely close to his many cousins in the Tierney, Barnett, and Meagher families, and enjoyed his time with them whether at family reunions, St. Patrick's Day Parades, or just sharing a laugh and a good story. And Chris was a wonderful storyteller and was able to share this gift by recalling fun family events and memories in a captivating way. Chris also loved to dance and had a signature move of dropping to his knees.
In addition to his big love for his family, was his love for his friends. He forged many friendships during his school days that have lasted a lifetime, whether it was from Shawnee golf course, Flaget High School or the University of Louisville. He hosted many annual golf trips named the Hartlage Screen Door Open. He was most happy watching his friends and family play golf and have a grand time making fun memories together.
Chris joined Woodhaven Country Club in 1976 and won nine Club Championships over six decades. He was a member of Big Spring Country Club. His weekends were usually spent playing golf with his wife, Jennifer, or in the fall travelling with friends to couples' golf events.
In addition to his lifelong passion of playing golf, he found great happiness in mentoring others. He coached basketball at numerous Catholic grade schools over a period of 40 years that included coaching his daughters. He and Jennifer had a ball coaching basketball together at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for many years. He also coached golf at St. Martha Catholic School and was an Assistant Golf Coach at Bellarmine University. Chris gave his time and talent to positively impact the lives of many by helping develop them on and off the course and court.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Kenneth Hartlage; his brother, Anthony Hartlage; his daughter, Allison Carroll Hartlage; and his two half-brothers, Kenny & Don (Betty) Hartlage.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jennifer Brenzel Hartlage; his sister, Patricia King (Jerry); his sister-in-law, Jocie Foushee (Steve); mother-in-law, Joyce Brenzel; sister-in-law, Joanie Brenzel; and brother-in-law, John Brenzel (Jouett). He is also survived by daughter, Christine (Brandon) and grandson, Tristan, as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews: Lenny (Kim), Barry Hartlage, Tricia Hartlage, Don Hartlage, Liz Hartlage, Kim Andriole (Mike), Kristin Nelson (Chris), Hope Nelson, Scarlett (Jack) Shine, Francesca Hartlage, Mason Claire Hartlage, Robert and Thomas Andriole; and William and Jack Brenzel. His also survived by his cousins, the Tierney, Barnett and Meagher cousins.
Words seem inadequate to express our gratitude for those who have been by our side during this challenging battle with cancer. Your generous support truly sustained us. A special thank you to Chris' lifelong friend, Dr. Mark Crawford. Your experience in the medical field was invaluable. The time, guidance and care you gave us was a true gift.
Visitation will be from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Monday, July 7th, at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 8th, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made "In Memory of Christopher Hartlage" to Assumption High School Golf: https://www.ahsrockets.org/make-a-gift/ or First Tee of Louisville: https://firstteelouisville.org/donate/.