Leon Hartwig

Leon “Dale” Hartwig, age 88, passed away peacefully at home April 18, 2022 in Littleton, CO with his loving wife by his side.  Dale is survived by his wife of 66 years, Connie, their children Ronald (Cheri) Hartwig and Kevin (Marvinetta) Hartwig.  He is also survived by his five grandchildren Brian Hartwig, Darren Hartwig, Nathan Hartwig, Trevor Hartwig, and Devin Hartwig and four great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bernice and Paul Hartwig, by his sisters Donna O’Neal and Margie Hutchinson.

Dale was born in Cortland Nebraska and lived for 10 years until his family moved to Wichita, Kansas.   After graduating from  high school, he worked as a mechanic for Ford.  He met Constance (Connie) Easley and they were married on April 14, 1956.   Three months after they  were married, Dale was drafted into the Navy and he and Connie moved to San Diego, CA where he was stationed.  While in San Diego their first son Ron was born.  After completing his service for the Navy, Dale, Connie, and Ron moved back to Wichita, KS to resume their family life.  While living in Valley Center, Kansas they had their second son Kevin.

Dale loved cars and resumed his mechanic career and then worked his way up to Service Manager.  In 1970, Dale got his dream job working for Chevrolet Motor Division and moved his family to Cheyenne, WY.  Dale came from a family of farmers, so his sister and brother-in-law loaded up all their belongings in the back of a grain truck and headed to Cheyenne.  In 1977 Dale was promoted to Zone Warranty Manager and moved to Littleton, CO to take on his new role with Chevrolet.  After 30 years with Chevrolet Motor Division, Dale retired in 1992.

Dale loved many outdoor activities that included fishing with his family and friends, snowmobiling, and boating.  Dale would spend the entire day happily fishing or pulling water skiers behind the boat.  He baited and removed fish from anyone that wanted to go and not have to touch a thing.  He never got tired of driving family and friends around on the lake.  After his retirement, Dale and Connie  bought a fifth wheel trailer and would travel south for the winter to spend time with friends and family in Mission, TX to escape the cold.  Many a story comes out of those trips south.

The family welcomes everyone that knew Dale to gather at 11:30 AM in the chapel for a memorial service on April 29th, 2022.