Elroy W. Hardtke

Elroy Hardtke, age 83, passed away in the loving arms of his family at his home in Colorado Springs on October 15, 2007. He was born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin on September 1, 1924, son of the late Louis and Clara (Nimmer) Hardtke. On April 5, 1947, he married the former Joyce Peters she survives. The family made their home in Kaukauna until their retirement at which time they moved to Yuma, Arizona. Three years ago, they relocated to Colorado to be near their family. Elroy served his country during World War II as a naval pilot, and in his earlier years enjoyed woodworking and auto mechanics.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years: Joyce Hardtke of Colorado Springs; two daughters: Jill (Dennis) Clark of Colorado Springs and Jan (Mike) De Bruin of Longmont, Colorado; a daughter-in-law: Arlene Hardtke of Kaukauna; a sister: Verna (Dewey) Ward of Arizona; a brother-in-law: Louis Peters of Lac du Flambeau; nine grandchildren: Jody (Brian) Patnode and their children Kyle and Katie; Greta Lax; Shelly (Steve) Hopfensperger and their children Erin, Tara, Amy, and Justin; Eric Hardtke and his children Jacob and Adrianna; Melissa (Jeff) Eichers and their children Brice and Bailey; Stacey (Greg) Rose and their children Cloie, Trista, and Ethan; Corinne (Josh) Wardell and their children Evelyn and Julianne; Amber (Greg) Peterson and their children Sawyer and Owen; and Patrick Clark.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, sons Ray Hardtke and Tim Hardtke, sisters Violet (Renatus) Stuebs and Millie (Carl) Dachelet, three sisters-in-law Mae (Francis) Ramash, Gladys (Leo) Vesser, and Lorraine Peters.

Elroy had recently undergone heart surgery, and was recovering at his home. His last days were filled with love and caring from his family, cheering on the Packers, and living life to the fullest. A memorial fund has been established.