Rob L. Hartwig

Robin (“Rob”) Lee Hartwig, 68, passed away on April 25, 2026, at his home in Merrill, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born on January 13, 1958, in Merrill, to Larry and Sandra (King) Hartwig. His mother survives.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barb Hartwig; his children, Amanda Hartwig, Mollie Hartwig, Katie (Patrick) Garcia, and Cally (Kyle) Hahn; his grandchildren, Veronica, Elwood, Nora, Rae, Calla, and Max; his mother, Sandra Hartwig; his brothers, Chris (Debbie) Hartwig and John Hartwig; and his sister, Holly (Dennis). He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Hartwig, and his grandson, Jack Hahn.

A man who knew how to talk to people, Rob spent his life in sales. He worked at JW Perry for 20 years, Kocourek Chevrolet for another 20, and retired from Ace Hardware after six more years of greeting customers with a smile. Rob took pride in always providing for his family; he showed his daughters what it meant to work hard and take on difficult things with a positive attitude. He never complained or looked for credit. He was a grateful man and often spoke of the “beautiful life” he had.

That same stubborn positivity carried him through his illness. Even after ALS stole his voice, he found a way to communicate with his girls: “one day at a time.”

Rob loved being outside; walking for hours in the woods, sitting with a Bud Light at the end of the day, or “hunting” squirrels in his backyard to keep the birds safe. He was born to hunt and was known by his closest buddies by his CB nickname, “Hushpuppy.” Rob and his truck knew every line, lane, and lake in Lincoln County and never needed directions.

He always knew the way; he doesn’t need a map for his next stop either.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, N4887 Hwy 17 in Bloomville, on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate. Visitation will take place Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial will immediately take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery after the liturgy on Friday. Luncheon will be at St. Francis Catholic Church following the burial. After lunch is served, Rob’s family warmly welcomes anyone willing to share a special story or memory of him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ALS Association or St. Francis Church in Merrill. You may also honor Rob in your own way by taking a walk in the woods with him in your heart.

When his girls were young, Rob would pull into the driveway, throw the truck in park, and announce, “Home, James,” to the back seat. His daughters now have those words tattooed on their arms in his handwriting as a reminder of what he always said to them. And now, he is.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.