Denise Ann Hartke passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 in North Kansas City, MO. She was born on February 22, 1953 in North Kansas City, MO 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.
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, www.kchospice.org/donate. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.
