He was born on November 17, 1946, in Springfield, IL, the son of Ralph Jr. and Elizabeth (Lynn) Bruno. Hartzel married Mary Jean McCulley on July 18, 1970, in Springfield. IL.
Hartzel graduated from Lockport Community High School in Romeoville, IL and attended Springfield College. He was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church of Rochester, where he was a greeter and served on the parish council. In 2003 he was named the Director of Operations of Stuller Inc. Hartzel was previously a farm broadcaster for WFMB, now WMAY, and a manager of the FS retail store on Dirksen Parkway in Springfield.
Hartzel served in the Peace Corps for 4 years in India and was a member of many clubs and organizations including, the Sangamon Co. 4-H Foundation, Sangamon County Farm Bureau, and he was the leader of the North Sangamon 4-H Club for 25 years.
He was the “happiest guy in the world”, and it showed! Hartzel enjoyed livestock animals, farming, traveling “a million miles in the air”, especially to Ireland, cruises and his paint horses, which he raised for a long time.
He was preceded by his parents, Ralph Jr. and Elizabeth.
Hartzel is survived by his wife Mary Bruno; sons, David (Dawn) and Derek (Amy) Bruno both of Springfield; four grandchildren, Alex (fiancée, Paige Burton) Bruno of Riverton, IL, Kelsey Bruno of Nashville, TN, Tori Bruno of Springfield, IL, and Clay (Danielle) Bruno of Alhambra, IL; and two great grandchildren, Maisyn and Miller.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Mass of Christian Burial: The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Jude Parish Hall, 633 S. Walnut St., Rochester, IL 62563. A funeral mass will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the St. Jude Catholic Church with Rev. Charles A. Edwards, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Sangamon Co. 4-H Foundation, 700 S. Airport Dr., Springfield, IL 62707.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703.
Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer condolences.
