William H. Hartenbach

William Henry Hartenbach (aka Pap), age 92, passed peacefully from this world to a better one at Creek Meadows Assisted Living Center in Zelienople, PA on February 11, 2026. Bill was born on December 6,1933 in Traverse City, Michigan to Edgar Philip and Pearl Laverne (Keown) Hartenbach.

He graduated from Ambridge High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He married Lois LaRue Oesterling on November 10, 1956. Bill worked as a carpenter and later a BOF pit boss at J&L Steel / LTV for 32 years. There were many jobs along the way, including roofing, real estate, Baden volunteer fire fighter, custodian, insurance salesman, baker for Eat’n Park and lay minister.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Twyla Joanne (John Robert Gaydos) and Nancy Jean (Andrew Dolnack).

Surviving are his wife of nearly 70 years Lois, half-sister Janice (Bell), half-brother Gary (Criss) and three children: Kenneth (Patricia Carlin), Erin (Joseph Malatesta) and Susan (Timothy Davis). Also left to cherish his memory are six grandchildren Daniel (Anastasia Rossio), Kathryn (Andrew Sitek), Matthew, Jordan, Ryan and Sean (Lexi Bell), and three great grandchildren: Vivianne, Connor and Maxwell.

Bill was active in the United Steelworkers Local #1211 and a supporter of the Democratic Party. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #641 in Baden, PA.

Arrangements for cremation handled by Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home with interment of ashes at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, PA. A Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, 200 2nd Avenue, Freedom, PA 15042 on Saturday 2/21/2026 at 10 am.