Roger W. Hartung
November 24, 2015
Roger W. Hartung was born on November 22, 1929, to Robert and Edythe Hartung, and passed away peacefully on November 24, 2015. Roger was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. He graduated from East High School in 1948. He attended Grinnell College for two years, before entering the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Bangor, Maine. He then returned to finish college at Drake University, earning a degree in Fine Arts. After college, Roger joined his father in the family trucking business, Caldwell & Hartung, Inc., and retired from the company in 1985.
Roger married Sheila Patterson on September 2, 1954, and their family grew to four sons and a daughter, twelve grandchildren, and four great grandchildren (with another on the way). Roger was an athlete, artist and musician. His favorite sport was tennis, playing at East High, Grinnell and Drake. He was the Des Moines city tennis champion in 1947. He loved to play piano, mostly for himself, and could play almost any song he heard by ear. Roger began going to Family Camp at the Des Moines Y Camp in Boone in 1942 with his parents and his brother, Jack. Roger and Sheila started taking their family to Camp in 1966. He served on the board for the Des Moines Y Camp for many years. He was a member of the Crawford Y’s Men’s Club, and sold many Christmas trees over the years. Roger was on the board for Highland Memory Gardens for more than 30 years. He served as treasurer for the Marquisville United Methodist Church for over 20 years.
Roger was a collector, acquiring many antiques and unique items at auctions. This hobby led to his 15 minutes of national fame on the American Pickers television show in 2012.
Roger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sheila, sons Kirk (Jo Renee), Kent (Colleen), Greg, Scott and daughter Wendy (Matt) Marsh; grandchildren Erika, Adam, Brian, Julie, Christopher, Anne, Michael, Mary Kate, Emily, Heather, Tate and Darby, and great grandchildren Bryce, Emma, Owen and Pearl.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Taylor House Hospice.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., and a celebration of life service will be held on Monday, November 30, at 10:30 a.m. Both will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Ave.
On-line condolences to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kellie Baetsle and Dan Payne
01/04/2016
Scott,we just learned of your father's passing. We offer Our deepest sympathy . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May God show you his grace and love, and bring you comfort & peace during your time of sorrow .
Kellie and Dan
Joan Jamison
11/30/2015
Sheila and family,
My condolences to you on Roger's passing. Don Felker and I so enjoyed playing bridge with the two of you. My prayers are with you. Joan J.
Rebecca Harris
11/30/2015
I just found out about the passing of your dad Greg and I'm so sorry I would have been there and asked if there was anything I could do but still if there is something I can do to help please let me know. my prayers are with the family during your time of grief. Love, Becky
Mike and Kris Voorhees
11/30/2015
Dear Hartung Family,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. So many memories of times spent with Roger and Sheila at Family Camp. May you be surrounded by God's love, comfort and peace. Mike and Kris Voorhees
Gary and Jeanne Lester
11/29/2015
To the Hartung family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Roger was a kind and wonderful man, and a great neighbor. He will be greatly missed. We pray your sweet and precious memories and Gods loving hands will comfort you through your time of grief. Gary and Jeanne Lester
Dawn Ashmore
11/28/2015
Wendy,
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time. Your father was a wonderful person and always so sweet! Deepest sympathy, Dawn
Mitch Maxted
11/28/2015
"Roger was an athlete, artist, and musician." No wonder he and Sheila had such amazing children! I remember meeting Roger at Family Camp and being in awe, thinking to myself, this is the father of these leaders I admire so much! I will remember Roger as a man who loved life, was grateful for his many blessings, and encouraged young people in countless ways. Many prayers to the family from Ohio.
Carole Nervig
11/28/2015
I was saddened to hear of the passing of my cousin Roger who was always such a sweet and caring man. It is times like this when I regret being so far away and unable to attend Roger's memorial. I will be there in spirit offering my sympathy for your loss.
Bryan & Karen Ihnen Family
11/28/2015
Kirk JoRenee & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending our deepest sympathy and comfort to your family,
Mick & Lavona Webb
11/27/2015
Our deepest condolences to the Hartung family...it was my honor & pleasure to know Roger through the HMG family.
Linda Clapper
11/27/2015
Sheila and family...I did not even know Roger was ill, which makes me feel bad since I live right below you at Vintage Hills.... I pray for strength for you at this time and for your health. God bless and guide you and all of your wonderful family.
Linda Clapper #118
Patsy Mullins Saffell
11/27/2015
So sorry to hear of the loss of Roger. My condolences to the family. It has been many years since I have seen him but remember the days when Roger and my dad would go to auctions and both would come up with some interesting items. Also remember when I would babysit for the boys and the evening always ended with Roger sitting at the piano playing "Does your chewing gum lose it's flavor......".
SQUEEK YEAGER
11/27/2015
so very sorry for you loss-always a smile always-hopes of comfort for your family~~~~
Pamela Ziemann
11/26/2015
Dear Scott,
I'm sending you much love.
It's been many years since I saw your Dad, but I remember him fondly.
Take care of yourself.
xox
Bob Wells
11/25/2015
Kirk,
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Your Dad was always a Gentleman. We will miss him at the Investment Club Meetings.
Bob Wells