Robert Leo Hartert

Robert "Bob" Leo Hartert, 79 of Rollingstone, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014 at his home, with his family at his side.Bob was born December 28, 1934 in Winona to Leo and Ida (Hoffman) Hartert. He graduated from Holy Trinity School in 1952 and on September 25, 1954, he married Joan Pletsch in Plainview. Bob had the heart and soul of a farmer, taking pride in the beauty of the land, a harvest and a bountiful garden. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Bob was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan, even going to the World Series in '87 and '91 and making many road trips to watch them play at ballparks across the country. Bob was known for his sense of adventure which his family referred to as "living on the edge." He was a regular at Bonnie Rae's Cafe for 25 years where rural wisdom was shared and lifelong friendships formed. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the St. Nicholas Society and served for 37 years on the Mount Vernon Township Board. Bob was very proud of the family he and Joan raised; his grandchildren held an extra special place in his heart and he had a way of making each feel like they were his favorite. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; six children, Cheryl Hartert of Winona, Dan (Carolyn Olson) of Spring Grove, Carolyn (Dave) Czaplewski of Eagan, Joel (Jeanne) of Black River Falls, Mary Sue (Karl) Goss of Burnsville and Jodi (Terry) Peshon of Minneiska; eight grandchildren, Aaron Henderson, Chad and Carly Czaplewski, Paige and Alec Hartert, Zach and Rachel Goss and Makenna Peshon; six great-grandchildren, Abraham, Noah, Nathan, Brendan, Olivia and Luke Henderson; one brother, Tom of Rollingstone; and nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.Dad's final wish was honored, leaving this world from his home on the farm. Dad, you are now living in the light of your heavenly home.Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 23 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with the Reverend William Kulas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4 -8 p.m., Wednesday at the church and one hour prior to Mass on Thursday. There will be a Christian Wake Service held at 8 p.m., Wednesday. Memorials are preferred.Please share a memory of Bob, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/459731