Wilma Lorraine (Tietz) Hartze, age 80, passed away in Sedro-Woolley, WA on Tuesday, March 24 2015. She was the oldest daughter of Regina (Hein) Tietz and Jacob Tietz, born on February 3, 1935, in Sidney, MT. She was raised in the Sidney area where her family had a sugar beet farm. When Wilma was 14 they moved to Glendive, MT where she graduated from Dawson County High School in 1953.
After high school Wilma married her high school sweetheart, Donald Hartze. They had been married for 58 years, celebrating many milestones along the way, including a daughter, Denise, and son, Kevin. Wilma was the Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of the Yellowstone Division of Burlington Northern Railroad for 25 years before they transferred for Don’s job with Conoco to Sidney, MT during the 1980’s oil boom, then to Plentywood, MT and on to Dickinson, ND.
Wilma was a leader in many service groups, including American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and 4-H. She was a stickler for a clean house, pressed clothes and making sure her children had music and art in their lives. Wilma played the piano and organ for Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Glendive, for many years, as well as, sang in the church and community choirs. Wilma loved sewing and crafts including searching for the perfect pinecones for her latest imagined craft. She would spend countless hours arranging and re-arranging her many purple flowers, pictures and sweaters. She also laughed with her sisters and sister’s-in-law lovingly enduring numerous hunting, fishing and camping adventures.
After retirement, they moved to Helena, MT where they could be closer to Don’s brothers and their families, and all help care for mother-in-law, Katherine Hartze. In 2003, Don and Wilma moved to Sedro-Woolley, WA to be closer to daughter, Denise, where they took on the caretaker job at Riverfront City Park and Campground, living on the park grounds. Wilma loved the park, the flowers, meeting people and her constant companions, her miniature poodles, Toby, Tawny, and Penny. They retired from the park position in 2009, due to health concerns.
She was preceded in death by husband, Don and is survived by her, daughter and son-in-law, Denise (Hartze) and Don Childs of Sedro-Woolley; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Deb (Robinson) Hartze of Kennewick, WA; 6 grandchildren, Travis and Nikole Stortz of Billings, MT, Justin and Jessie Crockett of Maricopa, AZ and Brad Crockett of Glendive, MT; Aaron Hartze of Salem, OR, Caitlin Hartze of Portland, OR, and Jillian Hartze of Kennewick, WA and 6 great-grandchildren; brother, LeRoy Tietz of Michigan; sisters, Darlene Miller of Kansas and Shirley Mansfield of Billings, MT, and their families.
A private memorial for family will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Wilma. I worked with Wilma at Burlington Northern in Glendive. I remember Wilma as being a very organized and efficient person. At that time steno positions at BN required shorthand. I remember Wilma transcribing shorthand and whipping out typed letters on a manual typewriter with carbon paper – no computers. Her steno pad was always in one spot – her pen in another – and her desk was always perfect!
Our deepest sympathy at cousin Wilma’s passing away. Growing up Don and Wilma made us feel so welcome at their home in Glendive. it has been a long time since I saw Wilma, but she will always be fondly remembered So sorry for your loss Jeanette and Marty O’Dea
Sorry to hear about Wilma’s passing, I went to school with Wilma and also worked with her on the Railroad for many years, a wonderful lady, always helpful when I was learning a new job. My sincere condolences to all the family members, God Bless You All.
I am saddened by the news of Wilma’s death. My remembrance of Wilma goes way back to Glendive, when she and I were in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sunday School, confirmation, Walther League and many years of friendship in school. We re-acquainted when we were both in Sidney for a while, and then I lost track of her. I am now in Billings, where, I believe Shirley is. It would be nice to re-connect with her sometime. Again, my sincere sympathy goes out to all the family.
Shirley and family – so sorry to read of your sister Wilma’s passing. It has been sooo many years, but I still remember getting to know your parents when living in Glendive and our own little families spending time together when our girls were babies! And later, after moving to Sidney, reacquainting with Don and Wilma! Lost track of them after their move from here. Where have the years gone? Know that you and your are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Judy
I am so saddened by reading about Wilma. I enjoyed doing her hair in the recent months. She was a joy to listen to and I always looked forward to seeing her every week. She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.