Gerald “Joe” Joseph Hartung
Gerald “Joe” Joseph Hartung, 67, of Elmwood, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Joe was born in Durand on April 30, 1959, a son of Gerald “Jerry” and Marjorie (Kasel) Hartung. He attended St. Henry’s Catholic grade school and then went to Elmwood High School where he graduated. Joe completed the AG-Short Course at UW–Madison and returned to the area to farm in 1978. He married Martha Hurlburt at Holy Rosary Catholic Church–Lima on April 25, 1981, and together they built a life centered on faith and family on their farm while raising three children.
In 1998 Joe became an electrician and, with his sons, founded Hartung Electric on May 1, 2010. Although this work took him off the farm, he remained committed to the land and to his farming roots. Joe took great pride in his work and in the relationships, he built throughout the community. He served on the Dunn County Board of Supervisors. He was active in St. Henry’s Parish Council and was a member of Catholic Financial Life and the Knights of Columbus. Joe was also a life-long member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.
Joe enjoyed time at the family cabin “up north,” taking UTV rides, playing cards, going on long drives, and collecting antiques. Spring was a favorite time because it meant family, friends and neighbors would gather to help make maple syrup. It also meant the start of another growing season with many long hours driving a tractor which he did even while fighting cancer. Joe loved his role as a father and papa. He delighted his grandchildren with silly jokes, gentle pranks, and hidden snacks. His steady presence, generous spirit, and willingness to help others will not be forgotten. A gentle giant with a big heart, Joe will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his mother, Marjorie Hartung; his wife of more than 45 years, Martha; his children Jason Hartung of Elmwood, Pamela (Craig) Bauer of Durand, and Adam (Maggie) Hartung of Elmwood; his grandchildren Grace, Averie, Callie and Liam; his siblings Ruth (Jack) Luebker, Tom (Jeanne) Hartung, Jeff (Margaret) Hartung, Steve (Jill) Hartung, and Beth Hartung (Kazuya Agata); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald L. Hartung, and his in-laws Perry and Fran Hurlburt, his maternal grandparents Michael J, and Cecila (Bauer) Kasel, his paternal grandparents Fredrick and Florence (Styer) Hartung and his step-grandfather John C Weinzirl along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family sends special thanks to Adoray of Home Health & Hospice for her kind and compassionate care of Joe. Martha (and Joe) would also like to thank their children for the loving and attentive care they provided during his illness. Their care allowed for him to remain at their home he loved so much.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11 AM at St. Henry’s Catholic Church - Eau Galle. Memorial visitation for Joe will be Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 4-7 PM at Rhiel Funeral Home-Durand and on Thursday, one hour prior to the mass. Final rest will be private burial at a later date.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.
