Lacey Eugene “Gene” Hartje, Sr., 84, was born October 25, 1926 to the late Oliver Franklin, Sr., and Frances Ann (Stephens) Hartje in Joplin, MO. He passed away October 5, 2011 in ManorCare Nursing Home, Springfield, MO.
Lacey was a lifetime Mechanic and co-owner of Lift Truck Repair until he took an early retirement in 1980. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on January 17, 1953. He was a self-taught fiddle player, playing for dances around the Joplin area. Several of the songs he wrote were included on a CD of Traditional Fiddle Music of the Ozarks produced by Gordon McCann and Mark Wilson in 2000 and recorded by Rounder Records Corp.
Survivors include his three sons, Lacey Hartje, Jr. and wife Cori of Redmond, WA, Steve Hartje and wife Sheila of Fair Grove, MO and Ken Hartje and fiancee Patty Noll of Olathe, KS; three grandsons, Dustin, Ryan and Kent; one sister, Mary Alice Riley of Joplin, MO. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Hartje in 1990; his father who, on the same day, passed away 76 years ago and his mother in February of 1962; and 9 siblings.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Friday, October 7, 2011 from 6-8 p.m., in the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.