Racine – James L. Hartl, 74, was embraced in the love of his family as he passed away in his home on Saturday, February 21, 2009 following his second battle with cancer. James was born in Marshfield on February 14, 1935, son of the late James and Catherine (nee: Stieber) Hartl. He attended schools in both Marshfield and Antigo. On August 18, 1962 he was married in Aniwa, WI at St. Boniface Catholic Church to Rose Mary Smith. Jim and his family moved to Kenosha in 1969, and then to Racine in 1997.

Jim was employed for 31 years at Ladish Tri-Clover in Kenosha as a stainless steel polisher. For many years, he was the shop union steward for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local #34. Jim enjoyed being outdoors often refurbishing travel trailers. He was happiest when he was with his family. His children and grandchildren will remember all the life lessons he taught them over the years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rose Mary; and their daughter and future son-in-law Lori Hartl Merrill of Racine and Ken Dudek of Kenosha, and daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Michael Nowack of Pleasant Prairie; grandchildren Jessica, Thomas, Colin, and Breanna; brothers and sisters-in-law Drs. Daniel Hartl and Christine Blazynski of Belmont, Mass., and Gary and Eileen Hartl of Antigo; foster-sisters Jean (Frank) Reybrock of Florida, and Mary (Steve) De La Pena of Antigo; brother-in-law Ted (Sandy) Smith, and sister-in-law Emily Delaney both of Kenosha; as well as many other relatives and good friends. His brother, Ron Hartl, and brother-in-law, Edward Smith, also preceded him in death.

The funeral mass for James L. Hartl will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church , 2224 30th Avenue , Kenosha, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009 with Fr. William Hayward, M.I.C. officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. All are invited to gather in the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.