Kenneth Albert Hartung passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 18, 1934, to Albert and Beulah (Janke) Hartung, Ken was the older brother to Carl, who preceded him in death in 2012, and Alan Bruce of Rochester, Michigan.
After graduating from Cooley High School in Detroit, Ken attended Albion College (Michigan) until his college studies were interrupted by a two-year stint in the Army, Fourth Armored Division, Southern Germany Command from 1957-59. Returning to Albion College in the fall of 1959, Ken completed his degree in Business Administration in 1960 and met his future wife Anne Notman, whom he married in 1961.
Upon graduation, Ken was accepted into the Executive Training Program for Buick Motor Division. Thirty-eight applicants from across the US were selected for a new 14-month program designed to develop the skills necessary for training successful salesmen in Buick dealerships. Following completion of the program, Ken was assigned to the territory for Southwest Michigan and settled in Battle Creek, Michigan.
During this time, son Kenneth Bradley (Brad) and daughters Julie Anne and Nancy Kay were born. In 1967, an opportunity arose which enabled Ken to purchase the Buick dealership in Battle Creek. In 1971, seeking new challenges, Ken sold the dealership and the family took a month-long driving/camping trip to Oregon and decided to move to Salem in 1972. Ken’s entrepreneurial spirit led to many endeavors over the next 40 years, including development and ownership of a car rental and leasing business, partnership in an insurance company and, ultimately, a 30+year career as a stockbroker.
Ken fiercely believed in fostering community which was reflected by his strong commitment to volunteerism throughout his life. From the Citizens Budget Committee to the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, Ken found time to serve.
Equally important during these busy years, Ken made it a point to be present at any event in which his children were participating, encouraging and supporting their activities.
Ken is also remembered for his love of the outdoors. Over the years, he was fortunate to be able to travel and to hike in the mountains of the Northwest, Europe and South America. He
never sighed, “I wish I could have…”. Instead, he turned those wishes into memories.
Ken’s legacy is found in the large network of family and friends he worked hard to remain connected to his entire life. He routinely used his 50-year old address book to reach out to people he hadn’t seen in years just to keep in touch.
Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anne, brother Bruce (Marci), children Brad (Pilar), Julie and Nancy Segal (Mathew) and grandchildren Preston Hartung Sperry (Shannon), Ivy, Tessa, and Tate Segal.
In memory of Ken, please consider supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Salem.
–Submitted information
