Kelley James Hartwig, age 59, of Merrill, WI, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at University Hospital in Madison of Kidney and Heart failure.
He grew up in Merrill and was a 1975 graduate of Merrill High School. Kelley was later married to the love of his life, Carla Rae Westberg, on May 15, 1976, in Merrill; she survives. He had previously worked at Northern Door in Merrill, then as a union laborer through the Labor Temple in Wausau. He then worked as a semi driver for E.J. Peter Trucking in Athens, WI, for many years.
Kelley enjoyed camping with his grandchildren and children, fishing, deer and coyote hunting, and coon and bear hunting. He was an active lifetime member of the Houndsman’s Association for over 20 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows. Kelley liked spending time with his brother, Tylor Hartwig, making maple syrup. He will always be known for his spunky attitude and quick wit. He could fix anything with a zip tie and will always be known as the camping guru. He felt very fortunate to receive a heart from a donor and wanted to pay it forward by being a donor himself; for he is a true hero. Kelley was welcomed into God’s grace by his oldest Daughter, Jessica Jane.
Survivors include his wife, Carla R. Hartwig, of Merrill; his son, Jeremy Vandergeest, of Merrill; his daughter and son-in-law, Jerrica and David Woller, of Merrill; two brothers, Kim (Kelly) Hartwig, and Tylor (Charlotte Downing) Hartwig, both of Merrill; his sister, Shelly Hartwig, of Merrill; one brother-in-law, Randy Westberg, of Merrill; two sisters-in-law, Paula Molitor, and Lisa (Jim Butler) McAllister, all of Merrill.
Kelley is further survived by his crandchildren, Jerrissa Konyn, Jerrick Konyn, David T. Woller, and Taylor Woller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Bud Hartwig, and his daughter, Jessica Jane Hartwig.
A Funeral Mass for Kelley James Hartwig was held August 26, 2015, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Fr. Chris Kemp officiated. Interment at Snow Hill Cemetery in the Town of Scott. Memorials may be given to Kelley’s family. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. View Kelley’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.