Donald J. Hartwig, 89, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at his home.
Donald John Hartwig was born August 27, 1921 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of John and Rose (Schwartz) Hartwig. Don graduated from Owatonna High School class of 1939. He then worked with his father in the Recorders Office and later entered the United States Army on October 12, 1942 serving during WWII. He received his honorable discharge in February 1946 and was awarded the American Theatre Service medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Service medal. He returned to the recorders office. He was united in marriage to Marion Dunker on March 25, 1947 at First St. John's Church in Owatonna. In 1958, Don was elected as Register of Deeds and assumed the office in 1959 serving as register of deeds and register of titles until being promoted to Steele County Recorder until his retirement in 1987.
Don was a charter member of the Steele County Exchange Club, life member of the VFW and American Legion, Owatonna, and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Don liked being a fan of the "real" (1960s) Minnesota Vikings, and enjoyed playing cribbage, reading, fishing and spending time at their cabin on Beaver Lake.He is survived by his wife Marion Hartwig of Owatonna; and a daughter, Janet Hartwig of Owatonna.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Sandy Hartwig (1987) and his parents.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church with The Reverend Kirk Griebel officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by the Steele Co. Military Funeral Unit.