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BORN
1937
DIED
2011
Karyl Hartzler Obituary
Oct 13, 1937 - Sept 3, 2011
Karyl G. Hartzler, age 73, of Lake, passed away on Saturday September 3, 2011, at his home.
Karyl was born in Clarksville on October 13, 1937, the son of Russell and Naomi Hartzler. He married Lois M. Gearhart on August 1, 1959. They lived for the last 39 years on their farm on Britton Road where they raised their family. Along with projects on the farm, Karyl was a teacher and a motorcoach driver. In 1986, he and his twin brother Daryl started their own motorcoach company and in 1994 he went into business with his son Mike, forming Hartzler Transportation Inc. in Mt. Pleasant.
Karyl enjoyed raising Scottish Highland Cattle, playing at being a farmer, having coffee with the guys in Weidman, and being a husband, father, and especially a grandfather.
He is survived by his wife Lois, two sons, Mike (Kami) Hartzler of Lake and Steve Hartzler of the Philippines; three grandchildren, Tia Williams of Mt. Pleasant, James Williams of Mt. Pleasant, and Sydney Hartzler of Lake. He is also survived by two sisters, Ellyn Hartzler of Lynchburg, Va., and Babs(Laverne) Wheeler of Chaska, MN; twin brother, Daryl (Kay) Hartzler of Lake Odessa, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Karyl is to be interred on his beloved farm. An informal memorial service will be held on Monday September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant. Contributions may be made to the Cesar E. Chavez United Farm Workers or to your local food pantry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karyl Hartzler
Linda Fox
August 31, 2022
Karyl it is so hard to believe it has been 11 yrs since you left. But then you are so missed that it seems to be much longer. You made a huge affect on my life when you taught me how to drive your motorcoach and had confidence in me to send me off in the world with a load of people. Sweet memories. RIP Karyl
Lorraine Dunn
August 31, 2020
I continue to think of Karyl, as he still carries his influence in my thoughts and actions. Hugs to his family.
Linda Fox
August 31, 2019
Karyl you affected so many people in so many ways by your example, and always with your smile. You taught me all about driving a bus but I also felt like part of your family working together to make your company a success. You were taken from us too soon but we will treasure your memory
August 31, 2012
Karyl I know you were smiling with a tear in your eye as Steve married his Angie on the farm. We felt you there but missed you so much.
Lorraine Dunn
July 14, 2012
My favorite teacher, whom I hold in highest esteem. His classes were Pychology, Sociology and Independent Study, and he'd covered another discipline I'd have enrolled. He taught respect by embodying it, spoke of other cultures with admiration, and valued each of us. He was the sophisticated man who taught me the meaning of tolerance, and I have fiercely passed on the knowledge to my children, grandchildren, friends and my own young students. I love thinking about how he got a kick out of shocking the naeveté out us, his sparkling eyes and being grabbed for a hug! I am saddened for his beloved family, but comforted to know he ha grabbed my son by now.
Mary Lynne Newell
October 10, 2011
Lois, Mike, and Steve, I am so sorry for your loss. Karyl was more than a great teacher--he was an EXAMPLE of how to live a great and gracious life, and you, Lois, were an equal guide and role model to me. From taking me to see the movie Woodstock, to sharing ample quantities of thought provoking literature, to allowing me to babysit your lively boys, and finally to that memorable sociology visit to the graveyard to commune with the spirits, you and Karyl set me firmly on a very unique path. May he now be enjoying another great adventure! i'm sure you must miss him terribly.
Marcia (DeMott) Funnell
September 16, 2011
I just read about Karyl's passing I am so sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man. He was my favoite teacher to back in 1977, he will be truely missed. May peace be with you and your family at this time.
Lana Jamrus-Knoertzer
September 14, 2011
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
May you hold him in your hearts and may God hold him in His loving arms
Carlos Melendez
September 13, 2011
My heartfelt sincere condolences to Lois Harztler and her family in this moment of loss...
Patrick Carson
September 13, 2011
"We were neighbors when I was a kid. Whenever I saw him after they had moved away he would always remember me and say "You're growing like a weed". I never saw him without a smile and kind words. He was a great man and leaves a great legacy. What a wonderful family."
September 13, 2011
I will always think of Karyl as a person who lived his life with integrity. Much love to Lois, Karyl's family, and the many friends who knew and loved him.~Susan Morris
Lee Peake
September 13, 2011
My deepest sympathy to those who are left behind. Few people have the ability to touch and mold the lives of another, but Karyl had that ability. He was the shining oasis for so many and I'm sure his passing will ultimately provide the same in his new realm. Fair winds and following seas gentle sir.
Richard & Kathleen Most
September 12, 2011
Just heard about Karyl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We'll always remember the "maple syrup" times we had.
Linda Fox
September 12, 2011
Karyl touched so many lives and made each of us better, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Linda Fox
Jim & Nancy Yarrick
September 11, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Karyl was a wonderful man and will certainly be missed.
September 10, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. He was my psychology teacher at Lakewood in 64-65 and I loved that class as well as others he taught. May God comfort his family and friends in your sorrow.
Carol (Wilson) Lippe
Marian Benson Durkee
September 9, 2011
What an amazing man Karyl was. He was one of the best teachers Lakewood had. I'm sure you will miss him greatly.
September 9, 2011
Karyl will be greatly missed as a wonderful neighbor and a friend.
Walter & Shelvie Tomasic and Lora Harms
Ken Miedema
September 8, 2011
From Ken Miedema
My Sympathy And Prayers to You Mike And your family!
Karl Fosburg
September 8, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Karyl... A true loss of one of the real good guys that I've ever met. Condolences to you Lois, Mike, and Steve. We are all better people for knowing Karyl and will miss him.
Karl Fosburg, Frederick, MD
Dave & Sally Reader
September 8, 2011
Lois, I know you and Karyl had many wonderful times together. You have accomplished much and have lived life fully. Although I am deeply saddened by your loss, I know you have many treasured memories and loved ones about you. Be comforted by them. Peace and love to you. Dave & Sally Reader
Don (Eldon) Hayes
September 8, 2011
Karyl was one of those teachers who made an impression far beyond the classroom. He had a great perspective of life and projected that in one of the most nonjudgemental ways I've ever seen. He will be greatly missed.
Joe Weiland
September 7, 2011
Lois, Mike and Steve – I am so saddened to hear about Karyl’s passing. The time we spent on your farm and as neighbors contains the very best of my childhood memories. I will never forget the kindness and friendship Karyl and you all offered my family. You are all in my prayers and my heart.
September 7, 2011
My family knew Karyl from his work with youth at the Church of the Brethren and driving youth (my son) of the Freeland United Methodist Church to New York. Karyl touched my life then he touched my son's life. Karyl had the light of God in him. He was a blessing to all he met.
Rosemary Good Jameson Bay City, MI.
Doug Reader & Marsha Gordon
September 7, 2011
Lois,
I am so sorry to hear about Karyl. I can still remember visiting as a boy in Lake Odessa and meeting he and his brother. Big, strong, soft spoken and gentle. Marsha and I wish you and your family God's grace.
Dawn Hodges Sigsbee
September 7, 2011
To the Hartzler Family,
I only saw Mr Hartzler once after high school:and he knew who I was. Amazing man in this world.
Joanne Mobey
September 7, 2011
Lois,
This is so sad...
Sending my best energy to you and yours.
Phil & Barb Jennings
September 7, 2011
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Karyl was one of my favorite teachers at Chippewa Hills. His unconventional teaching methods endeared him to his students. He taught many life lessons that will last a lifetime. Phil also enjoyed having coffee with him in Weidman.
September 7, 2011
This is difficult to grasp. Karyl and I worked together and overcame many obsticles with care and humor. A true and caring friend. Shirley Mills
Ann Fisher Collver
September 7, 2011
Lois, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Karyl was a great teacher. I had him at Lakewood in '65-'66 back when teachers wore ties and suits. I remember him causing quite a controversy by growing a beard. He taught us to question everything.
Ann Fisher Collver
Bill and Colleen (Clark) Vogel
September 7, 2011
Karyl was a great teacher and a good friend. I'll never forget the concern and love he has shown our family during my mom's recent hospitalization. His presence at morning coffee in Weidman will be missed. May God ease the sadness of the Hartzler families and give you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Bill and Colleen Vogel
Neale Woodbury
September 7, 2011
Lois, Mike and Family...I send my heart felt condolences to you and yours... I, too was a student of Karyl's at Chip Hills and his class was probably the only one I ever looked forward too...He used his sense of humor as a teaching tool...Not many can do that!! He (along with Lois) have been great friends to my family in years past.. He was a great man and I am saddened by his passing...
Judy Squires
September 7, 2011
I will never forget Mr. Hartzler as a beloved teacher who talked often of his family. Class of 1972 Judy Carey Squires
Rob Latimer
September 7, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. I can't help but smile when I think of Karyl. He was truly an inspiration to me by his actions and treatment of people. I remember him explaining the Golden Rule to me, I will never forget that or how he lived.
Stacy Kettel
September 7, 2011
Karyl was a teacher of mine back in high school at Chip Hills! He was a great influence on many of his students! He had a great sense of humor! The world is a sad place without him!
Nancy Miller
September 7, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Karyl was always so nice to me and always made me laugh when he would come into the office. Great guy that will be missed by many. Mike, my heart goes out to you, Kami, your mother and kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time. Miss you all. Nancy Miller
September 7, 2011
Lois, Mike and Family,
Our hearts are heavy because of your loss. Many people are thinking you. We will be making a donation to our local food bank in Karyl's honor.
Patrick and Mary Montague Flannery
Rodney Greer & family
September 7, 2011
Our prayers go out to the Hartzler family. Karly was one of the best peope l have ever met. I had spent so much over at the Hartzler house growing up he was like a father to me.
Paula Tilmann
September 7, 2011
Mike,Kami&Kids
I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of each other and know that we will all miss him.
Paula
Tina Stockwell
September 7, 2011
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Karyl very well, but I admired what I did know of him. He will be sadly missed. My thought's and prayers are with you all.
Janell (Dague) Lundy
September 6, 2011
My hearts and prayers go to the Hartzler family. Growing up around the corner for Karyl I have found memories of learning how to make REAL maple syrup. In college, he was our bus driver on a couple of Ferris trips. We were a bunch of college kids that you always treated with respect.
God Speed Karyl!
Beth McClain-Nesbitt
September 6, 2011
I'm so very sorry to hear of Karyl's passing. He was a great teacher and friend. He always made me laugh. The world is now less bright without him.
Margie Powers
September 6, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Lois, as well as your entire family. I remember Karyl was one of the best teachers I ever had. Also I remember his values and concern for others. My thoughts are with you.
Margie Montague Powers
September 6, 2011
Dear Lois, Mike, and Steve, We are so shocked and sad to read about Karyl's death! Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. What a loss for so many people.
Sincerely, Sheri and Bill McKinstry
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