Alan Hartzell Obituary

Alan Charles "Al" Hartzell

Alan Charles "Al" Hartzell, 73, of Findlay, passed away Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at Bridge Hospice Care Center at Blanchard Valley Hospital surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born Sept. 12, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late Oliver Hartzell and Kathryn (Hodge) Hartzell. He attended Western Michigan University where he met and fell in love with Sally Fassezke, who he married June 30, 1973, and she survives in Findlay.

Alan is also survived by two children, Andrew (Julie) Hartzell of Lewis Center and Sara (Robert) Cleary of Findlay; and four grandchildren, Molly Hartzell, Mia Hartzell, Oliver Cleary, and Harper Cleary.

He worked his entire career with the Whirlpool Corporation, where he had several different positions. But if you asked, he'd simply tell you he was an engineer. Alan was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and Flying Quail Chapter of the Penn-Ohio Model A Ford Club.

Alan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and pop-pop who took particular delight in following the exploits of his grandchildren. He was a tinkerer and a list maker. He enjoyed vacationing on Lake Michigan and having a good laugh. He loved Christmas and the pursuit of the perfect gift. Getting a good deal was the cherry on top. Alan enjoyed spending time researching his family's genealogy and would regale his children with epic tales of their ancestor's exploits via a nonstop string of text messages. Alan enjoyed music and was prone to singing the same misheard line of lyrics over and over. The Big Guy enjoyed a comfortable recliner, good blanket, and dog on his lap. He was a history and trivia buff, classic car enthusiast, avid reader (strictly nonfiction), diehard fan of baseball and college football, and loved spending time with family more than anything else.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Al's funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, Findlay, with the Rev. Robert Cochran officiating. Additional visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Alan's family extends their deep and heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Blanchard Valley Hospital ER and ICU and Bridge Hospice Care Center for the love and care they provided and the comfort they brought to Alan and his loved ones.

Memorials may be directed toward Bridge Hospice Care Center or First Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.