Donald Hartwig

Donald Eugene Hartwig, 87, of Decatur, IL, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011, in his home surrounded by his family, and left this world for a better place. Masonic services will be 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, September 6, followed by funeral services, at Sharon United Methodist Church, Decatur, with visitation from 10:00 a.m until service time at the church. Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL, with military rites conducted by the Sangamon County Honor Guard. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in memory of Don Hartwig to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63131, Attn: Donations, or to the Decatur Public Library . Don was born May 17, 1924, in Mt. Zion, IL, the son of Charles B. and Pearl (Travis) Hartwig. He married Virginia Ruth McLernon in Decatur on August 30, 1947. Don was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946, during WWII aboard Destroyer Escort USS Tatum in the European Theatre and Pacific Theatre. He traveled 175,000 miles, serving in 31 foreign countries. Don was a member of the Macon Masonic Lodge #8 AF & AM, Shriner Ansar, and was an avid NASCAR fan. Upon his separation from the U.S. Navy, Don was sales manager for Nolen Motor Company from 1947-1957. He then owned and operated Hartwig's Used Cars from 1957-1995. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Virginia of Decatur, IL; daughters Tonya (Robert) Donnelly of Zionsville, IN, and Linda (John) Conrath of Orland Park, IL; son Thomas (Marita) Hartwig of Chatham, IL; grandchildren Michael (Kerry) Donnelly, Kathleen (John) Kuka, Timothy (Nicole) Donnelly, Ann Conrath, Kevin Conrath, Sara Hartwig, Kelsey Hartwig, Kyle Hartwig, and Max Hartwig; great-grandchildren Jack Kuka, Margaret (Maggie) Kuka, William (Will) Donnelly, Andrew Donnelly and Moira Kuka. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Darrel, and brother Paul. "
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