Kenneth Lawrence Hartje

Kenneth L. Hartje, 85, passed away peacefully December 22, 2022, at New Hope Assisted Living in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was born March 4, 1937, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of seven sons born to Herman and Wilhelmina (Lucht) Hartje.

Ken graduated from Wonewoc-Center High School, class of 1955. He started driving truck at age 16. He drove for several companies throughout his career. He gained numerous awards for his outstanding driving record. One Million Miles accident free was one he was very proud of. He also farmed for several years on the Hartje family farm in LaValle, Wisconsin. After retiring from Heding Truck Service in Union Center, Wisconsin, he moved to Doniphan, Missouri where he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, and cutting wood on his property.

He married Josephine Sonnetag and together they had 4 children, David, Kathy, Becky, and Kristi. He later divorced and married Iris Slaver. They had a son, Dean. Ken and Iris were married for 50 years, December 15, 2022.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dean Hartje; grandson, Greyson Hartje; six brothers and sisters-in-law, Herbert (Agnes), Reuben (Pauline), Wilbert (Helen), Marvin, Norman (Emma), and Virgil Hartje.

He is survived by his wife, Iris, son David Hartje, daughters Kathy (Roger Sarazin) Hartje, Becky (Eric) Wolfe, Kristi Hartje, and daughter-in-law Lisa Hartje Bubolz. Sisters-in-laws, Thelma Hartje and Edith Hartje. Also, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.