James W. "Jim" Hartle

James W. “Jim” Hartle, age 91 of Owatonna, MN, died on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna, MN following an extended illness.

James William, the son of William and Mary (Seykora) Hartle was born on December 13, 1933 in Owatonna, MN. It was in the nursery where he met his future wife, JoAnn Logan as their mothers were roommates in the hospital. Jim attended Owatonna High School and graduated with the class of 1951. He was united in marriage to Jo Logan in 1952 and the couple took over the operation of the family farm in 1956. Jim farmed while working part time jobs for many years. The farm is now a 5th generation farm.

Jim was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a past member of the Parish Council, head usher, a eucharistic minister, and sexton of the Sacred Heart Cemetery for 10 years.

He was a past member of the Owatonna Elevator Board, and Steele County Exchange Club. Jim and Jo were the University of Minnesota Steele County Farm Family of the year in 1985 and Jim was Conservation Farmer of the year in 1989. Jim also served on the Somerset Township Board before his retirement and on the rural school board before its closure. He is also a past member of Rotary, the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, where he was Past Chairman of the Chamber Board and an Ambassador. He served on the Owatonna Hospital Board and served on the board of United Prairie Bank for 26 years.

Jim is a member of the Owatonna Elks Club, Steele County History Center and Director Emeritus of the Steele County Fair Board, on which he served for 23 years, 9 of which he served as president. Jim and Jo enjoyed entertaining and hosted many gatherings. Jim was always willing to help friends and neighbors with time and equipment. Jim and Jo were fortunate to have traveled to many foreign countries as well as many of the states in our country. Above all, Jim treasured time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife Jo Hartle and their three children; Mike (Heidi) Hartle, Julie (Craig) Thompson and Bill (Jody) Hartle; by 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Franco Sanchez and his children also survive. Franco was a foreign exchange student from Costa Rica who has been part of the family since 1972 and has kept in close contact over the years, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Hartle, sisters, Alice Henry, Lucy Peterson, Lorraine Butler, Ruth Grunklee and Rita Hartle, twin sister of Ruth who died at a young age.

Jim’s family would like to thank the staff of Birchwood Cottages and Ecumen Hospice for the excellent and special care that was given to Jim.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with Monsignor Thomas Cook officiating. Interment will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.

Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to the Steele County History Center, the Owatonna Library or the charity of the donors choice in memory of Jim.