Rev. Dale E. Hartwig

The Rev. Dale E. Hartwig entered Heaven’s peace on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. after a long period of experiencing the effects of Parkinson’s Syndrome. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Genevieve E. “Gene” (Glass) and two daughters: Amy (Dave) Freehafer, and Jennifer (Jeff) Rapelje; his sister Dawn (Charley) Smith of Tinley PaRK, Ill.; his brother Dave of Crete, Ill.; grandchildren: Kayla Buczkowski, Jake, Joe, and Jon Rapelje, Amanda (Jordan) Berens; Aaron (Maggie) Freehafer; and great-grandchildren Arianna and Makenna Freehafer. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Kathryn (Woodcock) Hartwig.

Born March 18, 1940, Dale was an excellent athlete, setting a scoring record in basketball at Bremen High School that stood for 6 years. He made it to the last cut for the U. of Illinois freshman team, played co-recreational ball in college, then played on the team from McCormick Seminary that took on (and lost to) the DePaul U. freshman team for 3 years. One of the first signs of trouble came about 14 years ago when he called for the ball and missed the basket. Early in his ministry, he would pull over and join a group of teens shooting hoops in Concord, so that they remarked they’d never known a pastor who would play basketball with them.

A graduate of St. Olaf College, Dale respected his Lutheran heritage, merrily celebrating Reformation Sunday and Martin Luther every year. His decision to attend McCormick Theological Seminary, and his positive experiences there, eventually led him to join the Presbyterian Church and be ordained there.

Dale served as pastor of the Concord Presbyterian Church for 33.5 years before the effects of the Parkison’s led him to retire Jan. 1, 2002. On October 17, 2004, the congregation honored him by naming him Pastor Emeritus. Because of his long tenure in Concord and his willingness to help anyone regardless of church affiliation, he was often called the pastor to the whole village, and his friends came from all denominations. Until the Parkinson’s required him to reside in Porter Hills Retirement community, he enjoyed coffee and fellowship at the Silver Spoon on a daily basis. He chose Grand Rapids to be closer to daughters and grandchildren.

The family is thankful for the care Dale received from the staff of Porter Hills, both in Cedar Court and in the Village Green House, as well as Hospice of Michigan who gave him and the family such support and love.

Dale leaves behind a large legacy of kindness and concern for all who crossed his path. He knew, loved, and felt loved by his God with whom he now dwells, having peacefully slipped from this world after almost 73 years.

Visitation for Dale will be Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the Concord Presbyterian Church he loved at 201 Hanover St. Concord. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Concord United Methodist Church with luncheon to follow “across the parking lot” at the Concord Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Concord Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 275, Concord, MI 49237