| Notes |
- Steve Hartjes, Little Chute, age 56, joined the choir of heavenly angels on Wednesday October 19, 2011. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by immediate family. He was born in Appleton on February 3, 1955 to the late James "Cobby" and Florence (Jansen) Hartjes. Steve married Debbie Van Asten on June 3, 1977 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church. He graduated from Little Chute High School in 1974 and made his career at Fox River Paper, Co. until his retirement in 2007.
Family and music were Steve's passions in life. As a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to all, Steve cherished the simple pleasures of life. The backyard was Steve's "Up North". He was happiest with a can of Mountain Dew in hand while listening to his stereo on the backyard patio with family and friends. His love for music began in high school as a member of Soul Singers and continued as a member of the St. John Folk Choir. Steve always had a song in his heart and the ability to share his love through singing. Even during his battle with cancer, Steve inspired those who knew him with his humor, faith, and courage.
Steve is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debbie; children: Mike (Jessie) Hartjes, Nikki (Dylan) Esterling, and Rachel (Joe Cabelka) Hartjes; 4 grandchildren: Macy, Callahan, and Hamilton Hartjes and Natalie Esterling; mother Grace Hartjes; brothers and sisters: Pat (Pete) Litersky, Amy De Bruin, Tim (Joanie) Hartjes, Greg (Karen) Hartjes, Gary Hartjes, and Beth (Steve) McAuley; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Al (Peg) Van Asten, Donna (Russ) Brittnacher, Lee Van Asten, Bonnie Hopfensperger, Keith (Barb) Van Asten, and Paul Fredrick. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law: Cyrus and Jeanne Van Asten; and his sister- and brother-in-law: Vickie Fredrick and Greg Hopfensperger.
Visitation will be held Monday October 24, 2011 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. For on-line condolences, please visit www.oconnellfh.com . In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Steve's family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, Affinity Radiology, and ThedaCare at Home for their kindness and compassion. They would also like to thank family, friends, and the parish community for the support they provided during Steve's battle with cancer.
Steve was someone who, when faced with adversity, fought back with courage and dignity and yet always managed to keep a smile on his face. He will be forever loved, and his memory will live on in our hearts.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL HOME
201 E. Main Street
Little Chute 788-6237
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1955 - 2011 (56 years)
