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Stephen Hartjes Obituary
Family and music were Steve's passions in life. As a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to all, Steve cherished the simple pleasures of life. The backyard was Steve's "Up North". He was happiest with a can of Mountain Dew in hand while listening to his stereo on the backyard patio with family and friends. His love for music began in high school as a member of Soul Singers and continued as a member of the St. John Folk Choir. Steve always had a song in his heart and the ability to share his love through singing. Even during his battle with cancer, Steve inspired those who knew him with his humor, faith, and courage.
Steve is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debbie; children: Mike (Jessie) Hartjes, Nikki (Dylan) Esterling, and Rachel (Joe Cabelka) Hartjes; 4 grandchildren: Macy, Callahan, and Hamilton Hartjes and Natalie Esterling; mother Grace Hartjes; brothers and sisters: Pat (Pete) Litersky, Amy De Bruin, Tim (Joanie) Hartjes, Greg (Karen) Hartjes, Gary Hartjes, and Beth (Steve) McAuley; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Al (Peg) Van Asten, Donna (Russ) Brittnacher, Lee Van Asten, Bonnie Hopfensperger, Keith (Barb) Van Asten, and Paul Fredrick. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law: Cyrus and Jeanne Van Asten; and his sister- and brother-in-law: Vickie Fredrick and Greg Hopfensperger.
Visitation will be held Monday October 24, 2011 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. For on-line condolences, please visit www.oconnellfh.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Steve's family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, Affinity Radiology, and ThedaCare at Home for their kindness and compassion. They would also like to thank family, friends, and the parish community for the support they provided during Steve's battle with cancer.
Steve was someone who, when faced with adversity, fought back with courage and dignity and yet always managed to keep a smile on his face. He will be forever loved, and his memory will live on in our hearts.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL HOME
201 E. Main Street
Little Chute 788-6237
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Hartjes
October 26, 2011
Deb & family,
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Steve, it is hard to loose someone who is so much a part of your heart. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Always treasure your memories of him
Anne Van De Loo
Jack and Elaine Finelli
October 24, 2011
Debbie and Family, we were saddened to hear of Steve's death but we know our prayers helped guide him to a peaceful place in heaven .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grief. I am with the St. Columbkille Choir.
Roy & Erin Van Harpen
October 24, 2011
His voice was an amazing, beautiful gift to St. Johns!!! Through his singing he touched endless hearts. His CDs are a treasure.
Praying memories give you comfort in the hard days ahead.
Sandy Haessly-Roeser
October 24, 2011
Deb and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss! His voice and his smile will be missed at the Sole Singer reunions! God bless all of you and may your memories help you during this difficult time!
Greg Sturm
October 24, 2011
Debbie, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Although I've never met Steve, from all accounts, he was a good man, a great father and husband. I'm sure he will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your children in this time of sorrow. God Bless you and your family.
Nancy Smith
October 23, 2011
Debbie - So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I purchased a CD from your church choir, and will think of him and his beautiful voice every time I hear his solo. My thoughts are with you and your kids at this difficult time. Please take care.
Mary Ness
October 21, 2011
Deb and Family, So sorry to hear about the loss of Steve, he was a great guy, who will be missed by family and friends. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Carl Ness
Carol & Tom Romenesko
October 21, 2011
Steve was one of the kindest souls I have ever known. My sympathy and prayers go out to the entire family. He may have been small, but he leaves a huge hole on this earth. Take care.
Richard sedo
October 21, 2011
I worked with Steve for his entire time at Fox River Paper and I can say that he was one of the nicest,kindest and friendliest people that I knew. He was liked by everyone that worked there, and will be greatly missed by everyone.
October 20, 2011
Dear Hartjes Families,
Yet another great earthly angel has earned his wings and is at peace now without pain and suffering. We know only too well how hard it is to lose a special part of the family link. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Deb, what an awesome tribute you gave Steve on his Caringbridge page. He certainly was deserving and he will be missed by many people.
Sincere sympathy is sent your way.
Dan,Deb and the Valentyn boys
Mary & Rick Vander Wyst
October 20, 2011
Deb and family--Our hope for you is that your awesome memories of your husband, dad, grandpa, and borther help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rick & Mary Vander Wyst and family
October 20, 2011
Our hearts hurt for you Greg (and family) to have this experience with your brother. We Felauers can be great at distracting and will do our best to replace sad frowns with some smiles in the days to come................Tammy and Madeline Felauer
Meri DeBruin
October 20, 2011
Godspeed to Steve. Deb and family you have lost a great guy, "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lari and Meri DeBruin
October 20, 2011
Deb and family - My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Steve was a great inspiration and a beautiful soul. May God bless you and your family at this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. BS/RN/FVHO
Mary Peterson
October 20, 2011
Deb and Family. Steve was a great guy. No more suffering, he is now enjoying the fruits of Heaven. We keep your entire family in our prayers.
Mary & Dave Peterson & Boys
October 20, 2011
Dear Deb and Family,
May your precious memories soothe your broken hearts. Steve was admired by so many, God will continue to bless your family.
with our sincere sympathy,
Gary & Robbie Meyer
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