Daryl Walter Hartzog, 93, passed away on August 21, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Daryl was born on October 3, 1930 to Harold Clifton Hartzog and Dena Kroeze Hartzog in Long Island, Kansas. Following Harold’s death in 1936, Dena married George Gillespie in 1940 and the family moved to a farm south of Jennings where Daryl and his siblings grew to adulthood. Daryl was drafted during the Korean War and joined the Army in 1952, later completing 10 weeks of basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He served the remainder of his tour of duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was honorably discharged in 1954.
After discharge from the US Army at the rank of Corporal, Daryl resumed working on the family farm and raised wheat, corn and milo in addition to managing a cattle and hog operation. Daryl married Marjorie Shimmick on October 25, 1959 in Jennings and they had four sons; Scott, Steve, Stann and Stacy. Daryl eventually turned over primary operation of the farm to Stann but never ceased to be involved in the farming operation. He drove the tractor and worked in the field as recently as two months prior to his death. With the exception of the most recent wheat harvest and
time spent in the Army, Daryl was involved with around 80 summer harvests, starting when he was 14.
Daryl was a 70 year member of the American Legion, and was very active in supporting and promoting Legion events and participating in the Honor Guard and firing squad at Memorial Day ceremonies and funerals. He was a strong supporter of veteran causes and was the inspiration for the re-establishment of a Sons of The American Legion squadron in Jennings. He was instrumental in working with the American Legion to promote the creation of the SAL in Jennings, and proud of his sons’ participation in the Sons of the American Legion. Daryl had a lifelong hobby of collecting coins, especially silver dollars. In later years, he gave out many valuable dollar coins as Christmas gifts. He also had a passion for collecting Winchester rifles and other rare guns. He collected small farm toys and was passionate about antique cars and pickups. Daryl was an avid sports fan, especially of all Kansas teams. Some of the more recent highlights of his life included a family trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, an Honor Flight to Washington, DC, a trip to Angel Fire, NM to help his sons lay a brick in his name at the Veterans Memorial Brick Walkway, and the realization of a lifelong desire to visit Saguaro National Park in Arizona, along with a visit to White Sands, NM on the return trip home.
One of the brightest parts of Daryl’s life was his only grandchild, Allison Hartzog. They enjoyed running the combine together, as well as taking rides on the 4 wheeler and the John Deere Gator, where he helped her learn how to drive.
Daryl is survived by his wife Marjorie Hartzog, sons Scott Hartzog and wife Tracey, Norcatur, KS, Steve Hartzog, Garland, TX, Stann Hartzog, Jennings, KS, Stacy Hartzog and wife Jocelyn, and granddaughter Allison Hartzog of Olathe, KS. Daryl was preceded in death by his father Harold Hartzog, his mother Dena Kroeze Hartzog Gillespie, step-father George Gillespie, brother Earl Hartzog, sister Darlene LaRue, brother in law Martin LaRue, and sisters in law, Patty Hartzog, Joyce Hartzog, and Erma Gillespie.
Viewing and visitation with family and friends will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 27 at the Jennings United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on August 28, 2024 at the Jennings United Methodist Church at 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Jennings Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jennings American Legion, Post #351. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.