Louis Dean Hartzell, age 81, of rural Three Rivers, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at his home. He was born in Vandalia on July 18, 1939 the son of Glenn and Ada (Smeltzer) Hartzell and was a lifetime resident of the area. Raised on a farm, Louis graduated from Marcellus High School. He was employed by Continental Can Company and later by Hydra-Matic in Three Rivers. Following his second retirement, he delivered papers for both the Three Rivers Commercial-News and the Kalamazoo Gazette. He was also a delivery person for North American Tool Company of Three Rivers. Louis enjoyed being outdoors, camping, working on cars and attending local car shows.
Louis was married to Georgia (Walker) Hartzell on Oct. 14, 1989 in Three Rivers. She survives along with a son, Glenn (Jenny) Hartzell of Marcellus; three step-children, Gerald (Melissa) Rohm of Three Rivers, Samantha (Gabriel) Lopez of Three Rivers, and Peter (Tela) Gould of Portage; nineteen grandchildren, Tim Byers, Marranda Rohm, Kori Byers, Braeden Rohm, Rylan Rohm, Jonathan Rohm, Joseph Rohm, Leroy Powers, Jr., Marcos Marquez, Julian Marquez, Jr., Adrian Marquez, Gabriel Gould, Brandon Hartzell, Nicholas Hartzell, Jake Hartzell, Justin Hartzell, Kylie Chamberlain, Trevor Chamberlain, and Travis Chamberlain; Many great-grandchildren; one sister, Eunice Bell of Dowagiac. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Rene; and a son, Marty.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday February 9, 2021 at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers, where masks, social distancing, and an attendance of 25 at any given time will be observed. Cremation will follow the visitation, with a private family service later. Memorial contributions will be directed to the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.efhchapel.com