Denise Ann Hartke

Denise Ann Hartke passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in North Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on February 22, 1953, in North Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Julius Caesar Leslie and Pauline Hartmann Leslie.

Denise was the beloved wife of Paul Hartke for 27 years. She was the loving mother of Martin Howard, Craig Howard (Cory Imig), and Brad Howard (Yiwen Zhang). She was the proud grandmother of Emma Howard, Eleanor Howard, Henry Howard, Vivian Howard, and Layla Howard. Denise was the sister of Bob Leslie (Pam). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Denise will be remembered for her warm heart, joyful spirit, and deep love for her family. She spent 37 years working at Hallmark, a career she took great pride in and one that remained close to her heart even in retirement—always checking the back of greeting cards for the Hallmark logo. Denise cherished traveling, especially trips to the beach where she loved watching sunsets, scrapbooking memories, and cooking meals that brought loved ones together. She found special joy in doing crafts with her grandchildren and embraced life fully, enjoying pickleball, planning her next adventure, and sharing margaritas with family and friends. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM, with visitation from 5:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NorthCare Hospice House at www.kchospice.org/donate. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.