Donald E. Hartwick

Donald E. Hartwick of Midland died Sunday, July 8, 2012 at age 88. Don, the sixth of seven children born to the late Byron and Agnes (Christie) Hartwick, was born September 17, 1923 on a farm among the rolling hills of Arenac County along the Rifle River where he learned to hunt and fish. He graduated valedictorian from Sterling High School and attended Central Michigan University on a scholarship from The Dow Chemical Company. After graduation, Don worked for Dow until his "first" retirement. He then worked at Dow Corning as a consultant until he finally retired to pursue his many interests.

He was a volunteer fireman with the Homer Township Fire Department from its inception through 1993. As a member of the Homer United Methodist Church Don helped with church renovations and volunteered for the annual Holy Walk program for many years. He was also active in the local Habitat for Humanity. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and camper. Don married the former HenryEtta Pyles on February 16, 1946, in Flint, Michigan. Together they had 5 children. Don is survived by his wife of 66 years and children Crystal (Pepper) McNeal of Mt. Pleasant; Kellie (James) Stave of Bear, Delaware; Martha Hartwick of Midland; and David (Rebecca) Hartwick of Brisbane, Australia. He is survived by his grandchildren; Jill Wright, Ann Sonnier, Elizabeth Hartwick, Jeffrey Stave, Emily Stave, Jon Stave, Kelsey Stave, Jacob Hartwick, Grace Hartwick, Kate Hartwick, and Leon Walker. He is also survived by five great grandchildren: Haleigh Wright, Grace Wright, Nicholas Wright, Ashton Wright and Charlie Hartwick. Don was predeceased by his son Philip Hartwick and granddaughter Megan Stave. His brothers William and Everett Hartwick of Sterling, Michigan are included among the many that will miss him.

Reverend David G. Mulder will be officiating the memorial service, 3:00 pm Sunday July 15, 2012 at the Homer United Methodist Church, 507 S. Homer Road, Midland, MI. Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Sunday starting at 2:00 pm. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be offered to Don's special interests: the Homer United Methodist Church, Homer Township Fire Department, or Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements are by the Wilson Miller Funeral Home where personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com