Kenneth Gordon Hartz Jr.

Kenneth Gordon Hartz Jr., 63, passed away on January 21, 2026.

He was born on April 15, 1962, and spent his life as a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend to those who knew and loved him. 

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth G. Hartz Sr. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Ann Hartz; his sisters, Deborah Buildt (Vince) and Daneen Ferguson (Jeff); his nieces, Jennifer Lim (David), Sarese Stearman (Taylor), and Rachel Henry (Terry); his nephews, Joshua Ferguson (Renee) and Ben Ferguson; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Josiah, Bennett, Genevieve, Everett, Hardy, and Silas. He is also survived by his stepmother, Ruth Hartz, and her children, Jeff Teasck and Sherri Teasck.

Family was at the center of Ken’s life. He was a devoted caregiver to his mother and gave generously of his time, attention, and care. He loved his nieces and nephews dearly and looked forward to every visit with them. Ken had a special gift for engaging children, carefully planning games, activities, and adventures that captured their imagination and made them feel welcome and valued. Many family memories were shaped by his thoughtfulness and creativity. 

Ken was a man of curiosity and wide-ranging interests. He loved books, learning, and exploring ideas. He was fascinated by maps, atlases, geography, and the countless details that make up our world. He found joy in knowledge and spent many hours reading, collecting, and pursuing subjects that interested him. His curiosity was lifelong and deeply personal.

Those who knew Ken will remember his gentle nature, his intelligence, his sense of humor, and the quiet ways he showed his love. He did not always seek the spotlight, but he made a difference in the lives of those around him through his presence, kindness, and care.

While his family mourns his loss, we are grateful for the years we shared with him and for the memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered with love, missed deeply, and carried in the hearts of his family always.

May you rest in peace, dear Ken.