John Hartung

John H. Hartung, 90, of Brainerd died Wednesday, May 21 at St. Joseph?s Medical Center in Brainerd. John Halstad Hartung was born January 7, 1913 in Berwick, Iowa to Burdair and Bessie (Cottingham) Hartung. He grew up on the Hartung family farm west of Berwick and graduated from East High School in Des Moines. He completed his formal education by earning a Law Degree from Drake University. Following graduation from law school John entered pilot training with the Army Air Corp, a skill that became a lifetime avocation. He was united in marriage to Gail ?Maxine? Gifford on December 23, 1939 in Des Moines. He owned and operated a private law practice in Des Moines for many years. He engaged in numerous civic and social groups during his years in Des Moines but his primary interest was always family. As a young man he developed a love for the northern lakes region of Minnesota. Throughout his life he shared this passion with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members and friends, at his summer home on the Whitefish Chain near Crosslake. John will be remembered for his caring, his imagination and creativity, his integrity, and his love of life.
John Hartung is survived by Maxine, his wife of 63 years; two sons John (Joan) Hartung of Indianola, Iowa and Michael (Francis Wornson) Hartung of Crosslake; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His parents and six siblings preceded him in death.

A memorial service to celebrate John?s life will be Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM, at the Congregational Church in Berwick, Iowa, with an informal luncheon following at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Berwick Congregational Church, East High School of Des Moines, or Drake University. Arrangements are with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.

Submitted by: Brenny Funeral Chapel 218-828-5051