Howard Ervin Hartke

Howard Ervin Hartke, 92, of Litchfield, Illinois passed away peacefully at home the evening of June 28, 2026. Born November 14, 1933, to August F. Hartke and Anna M. (Rull) Hartke of Litchfield, he is preceded in death by three siblings, Oliver Hartke, Arthur Hartke, and Helen (Hartke) Kirchner (Earl Loeb and William Kirchner), and his wife of 71 years, Jomarilyn Gartner Hartke of Litchfield, whom he married on July 18, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church. He is survived by their children Lynn K. Hartke (John Ward), Rick H. Hartke (Cathy Whitson), and Becki A. Hartke (Benjamin Cawthra), and one grandson, Graeme G. Huntley.

Howard was born and died on his family farm. He attended Sunnyside, a one room school near his home, then Litchfield High School, where he played basketball and baseball and graduated in 1951. He attended Washington University in St. Louis and graduated from Bradley University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in history and physical education.

Howard began his professional career teaching fifth and sixth grade at Harvel Grade School, Panhandle Unit #2 School District. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon completing basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he was sent to Fort Holabird, Baltimore, where he was attended G2/ Intelligence School. He was then assigned to the U.S. Army Regional Headquarters in Germany where he decoded messages during the Cold War.

After his honorable discharge in 1958, Howard returned to teaching in Harvel. In 1959, he became principal, teaching seventh and eighth grades and serving as basketball, track and baseball coach. He also coached junior varsity basketball at Raymond High School for one year.

In 1968 Panhandle reorganized the grade levels of its schools and Howard became principal of the Harvel Elementary School which housed first and second grades; Waggoner Elementary School which became a first, second, third and fourth grade center; and Farmersville Elementary School where there was kindergarten, special education, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades.  He also coached junior high basketball, track, and baseball at Farmersville.

Howard was a Charter Member of the Illinois Principals Association and was also a member of the National Education Association, Panhandle Education Foundation, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, the Litchfield Museum, the Missouri Historical Society, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Howard’s favorite pastime was watching high school and college basketball. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Hall of Fame in 1990 as a Friend of Basketball. A season ticketholder at his alma mater, Bradley University, he not only attended home games but also went on many road trips following the team. In addition to Bradley, he was a season ticketholder of St. Louis University basketball. He followed University of Illinois basketball as well and was a season ticket holder for Illini football. He was also a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Litchfield, he held many church offices. Beginning in his high school days, Howard was president of his local Luther League and President of the Synod chapter. After college and military service, he was appointed church council secretary and served in that capacity for many years. Later he was elected to positions as Deacon, Trustee, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman of the church council.

Howard retired in 1994 but was called out of retirement twice to serve as interim school superintendent of Panhandle School District. During retirement Howard and Jomarilyn traveled much of the United States and Canada and toured Australia, South America, the Middle East, and Europe.

Funeral services for Howard will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cahokia Township, rural Litchfield. Minister Ken Bergo will officiate. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Project Third Day - Panhandle, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Waggoner Centennial Building, or to the Litchfield Museum.

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