Stephen L. Hartzler, 83, Akron, following a valiant effort to live, passed on to join his wife of 64 years at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

He was born on May 14, 1932, in Miami County, to Lester “Joe” and Helen Marie (Thompson) Hartzler. He was married on June 17, 1951, in the Athens EUB Church to Kathryn I. Walters, who preceded July 13, 2015.

Raised on the farm, Steve’s first job was at General Tire in Wabash. He worked his way on to Sonoco Products Company of Akron, Indiana, where he retired as Plant Superintendent. During his 32 years at Sonoco, he and his wife raised their family while working their successful livestock and farming operation. His family’s involvement in 4-H led to a Hereford herd that they maintained throughout their lives. Steve moved from Gilead to the Akron area the summer before his senior year. He continued to play basketball and baseball at Akron High School before graduating in 1950. There he also met his future wife, Kathryn Walters.

He started his political career as a Republican Precinct Committeeman. In 1980, he was elected as a Fulton County Councilman and later, a Fulton County Commissioner, where he served as President. He served on numerous political boards and was a current member of Fulton County’s Alcoholic Beverage Board. He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash. He also served on the 4-H Fair Board and Community Foundation Board.
Steve and wife, Kathryn, were avid sports fans, having held season tickets at Tippecanoe Valley High School for the boy’s basketball games since the school’s inception, as well as having season tickets to the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball games for many years.

Survivors include daughters: Stephenia Barkman, Rochester; Melinda (Pete) Pratt, Rochester; a son: Mark (Deb) Hartzler, Akron; grandchildren: Melea Powell-Hoffer; Stephen Heinzmann; Stacey McGriff; Blaine Hartzler; and Ashley Marrs; step-grandchildren: Stacey Barkman; Scott Barkman; Tara Wolfe; Tabitha Floor; 19 great-grandchildren, anticipating the birth of a great-granddaughter; sister: Patsy (Channing) Utter, Akron; brother: Larry (Bev) Hartzler, Akron. He was preceded in death by wife: Kathryn I. Hartzler, July 13, 2015; parents: Lester ‘Joe’ and Helen Marie Hartzler; and brothers: Richard ‘Jack’ and Jerome Hartzler.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Phil Pratt officiating. The burial will take place at the Akron Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Memorial Contributions to: Stephen and Kathryn Hartzler Memorial Scholarship entrusted at the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.