Daryl Dean Hartzler, 87 of Lake Odessa passed away October 10, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was married to Kay Hartzler for 48 years. Daryl was a beloved spouse, father, grandfather and great grandfather who touched the lives of everyone he met with humor, advice and prayers.
He was born on October 13, 1937, in Clarksville, MI to Russell and Naomi Hartzler. He worked in education for 30 years. In 1986, he started Hartzler Charters and Tours with his wife Kay and twin brother Karyl. In 1994, Daryl and Kay went out on their own, providing fun, historic, and educational tours to 1000’s of people throughout mid-Michigan. Daryl wasn’t happy unless he had a motor under his butt and was talking to people. Even after retirement he found joy giving rides to those in need. In his last stage of life his favorite pastime was “tooling the two lanes” with Kay and making dollar bill boats and passing them out to friends and family along with a prayer and a bit of wisdom.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Kay, their children, Jerry (Lori) Buys, Mary (Denny) Cook, Nicole (Dan) Thomas, Craig Hartzler, and Andy (Julie) Hartzler, and siblings Ellyn Hartzler and Babs (Laverne) Wheeler. He was a proud grandparent and great grandparent to many within their blended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Naomi Hartzler, and twin brother Karyl (Lois) Hartzler.
Daryl was a firm believer in the power of prayer and family connections. With Kay, he supported many service organizations over the years, teaching their children the importance of hard work and service to others.
A celebration of life will be held at the Main Floor in Lake Odessa, MI on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2:00pm-5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manna’s Market, PO Box 18, Woodland MI 48897 or Next Step of West Michigan, 100 Garden Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507.
