Francis (Frank) James Hartke
Francis (Frank) James Hartke a loving husband, caring and devoted father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on May 2, 2021 in Nassau Bay, Texas with his wife Joan Hartke by his side.
Frank was born on September 26, 1946 in Teutopolis, Illinois. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Physics.
After graduation Frank went to work for Petrolite Chemical in St. Louis, MO. Then in 1977, he then became co-owner of Sooner Chemicals in Seminole, OK and in 1981 he fulfilled his dream of owning his own company and started ChemEcon, Inc. in Texas. Frank retired in 2002 when he sold the company.
Frank is survived by many loving family members including his wife of over 51 years Joan (Bierman) Hartke; his three daughters, Toni Ann and husband Micah Stanford and granddaughters Ashley, Sara, and Karen; Lynn Marie and husband Arron Tackett and granddaughters Abigail and Elaine; and Beverly Sue and husband Gregory Bosley and grandson Zachary, and granddaughters Aubrey and Melanie. He is also survived by his siblings Margie Apke, Sally Wakefield, Pat Poston, Chuck Hartke, Phil Hartke, and Mike Hartke.
He is preceded in death by his parents Alphonse and Sophia (Hank) Hartke, his sisters Elvira (Hartke) Verdeyen, Mary Lou (Hartke) Vahling and his brother Gerald (Jerry) Hartke.
Frank loved time with his family, and he will be extremely missed by all of them. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities, Wounded Warrior Project or Shriners Hospitals for Children or to the charity chosen by his daughters, Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
A celebration of life Mass and open house will be held later.
So sorry to hear about Frank. I went to grade school and high school with Frank. We had the best undefeated 8th grade basketball team. Frank was such a smart student. My prayers and thoughts are with you! Dr John Weber
Fly High Great Uncle Frank! Watch over grandma for all of us.
Aaron Poston (grandson of Bob and Pat (Hartke) Poston) and son of Nicole Poston
Sorry for loss he was great man and team dad
Joan and family I was sadden to hear the loss of your husband, a father and grandfather. May God give you peace to get you through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Pat and the Hartley family on the passing of Frank. Keeping you in my prayers.
You always hear how a little girl’s first love is her father, but you never hear about the second, third, fourth, and so on.
For me, I knew my second love was my grandfather at a young age. I could share countless memories I have with him. So many that I do not think I could ever possibly write them all down. One that I think about often and hold very close to my heart happened when I was about 9/10 years old.
My grandpa, my sister, and I were just talking in the living one day and we started talking about our future. He told us the two days he wanted to see were our graduation and wedding day. Although I am extremely blessed to have him there for my high school and college graduation, it has been hard coming to terms that he won’t be there for my special day. It has always been my wish to have him and my grandmother there that day. But through prayer and talking to those around me I have come to realize that he will still be there that special day and every single day for the rest of my life- just in a different way than I imagined.
I did not lose my grandpa. I gained a guardian angel. A grandpa guardian angel who needed to spend time with his other grandchild in heaven.
Again, words cannot express how many memories I have with my grandpa. Memories that I am forever thankful for and can’t wait to share with my future children that he will one day also watch over.
As always, I love you Grandpa.
Frank was a wonderful friend and neighbor in Nassau Bay. He always had a smile when we saw him. Hugs to all the beautiful family he leaves behind. Don and I will keep you all in our prayers!
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your special family member.
We have very fond memories of all the Hartke family.
Enjoyed the few times we were able to catch up with
Frank & Jo on special Hartke events.
May he Rest In Peace.
Our prayers are with you all,
Richard & Peggy Fix
My prayers of peace and thoughts of love are with all of you. Words cannot ever express enough sympathy or heal a sadness in losing someone so loved and wonderful but know that you all are being upheld in love and prayer. I close my eyes and I see his amazing smile and hear his infectious laugh. He will forever be with all of you and protecting his beautiful grandchildren. Love to all.