John L. Hartl, Jr.

Traverse City, Michigan - On July 9th, 2022, after a brief illness, John Ludwig Hartl, Jr. entered into eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John was born on August 29th, 1932, the son of John and Mary (Enders) Hartl of Green Bay, Wisconsin. After graduating from Green Bay Central Catholic High School, he studied business at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, graduating in 1954, and later earned an MBA in marketing from the University of Wisconsin. Ambitious, energetic and eager to see the world, he joined Pan American Airways as a sales executive in Detroit, MI. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kathryn (Fellows) Hartl (1935 – 2015). During his decade with Pan Am he and Kay traveled the world, often accompanied by friends and family. In later years he loved to recount how during the height of the Cold War he toured the Soviet Union, exploring business opportunities for Pan Am in October of 1957 (the month “Sputnik 1” was launched). On July 8th of 1961, John and Kay were married at St. Basil Church in East Pointe, MI and settled in Grosse Pointe Woods, where John transitioned to what would become a 46-year career as a financial advisor. Together they raised five children: John “Jay” Hartl, David Hartl, Jerome Hartl, Thomas (Jenny) Hartl and Julie (Jordan) Hartl-Kilcherman. In 1978 the family moved to Traverse City, MI when John was offered a position as a managing partner with Roney & Company. With his characteristic enthusiasm and good nature he quickly became a fixture in the community, mentoring a generation of younger advisors, energetically supporting St. Francis Parish / GTACS and offering his time and resources to a wide variety of conservation efforts, including an appointment by Governor Milliken to the Great Lakes Fishery Advisory Committee. A consummate outdoorsman, he also poured his boundless energy into hunting, fly-fishing and habitat improvement at his treasured property on the Sturgeon River in Otsego County. His friends and family will fondly recall decades of fun, adventure (and hard work) at “The Cabin.” After retiring in 2007, his beloved grandchildren (Evan, Henry, Jessa and Audrey) became the center of his life as he cheered their many accomplishments and offered his immense wisdom to aid them in life’s path. Each will now have a true guardian angel watching over them. John was preceded in death by his sister, Donna DeWalt, and survived by five cherished siblings, Charmaine Kraft, Helen (Richard) Alderton, Chuck (Sandy) Hartl, David Hartl, Vicky Blommer and many dear nieces and nephews. A funeral mass honoring John will be held on Friday, July 29th, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684, with visitation held one hour prior and a reception immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, MI 49686. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

John L. Hartl, Jr.

August 29, 1932 - July 9, 2022