Obituary for Orville J. Hartner

Orville Jacob Hartner of Portland, Michigan, was born on November 8, 1947, to Max and Margaret (Dietrich) Hartner in Saginaw, Michigan. He passed away on May 12, 2026, after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease.

After High School, Orv enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a mechanic during the Vietnam War.  After his military service, he returned to his family farm in Beaverton, MI.   He married Jacquelyn in 1979, and he taught her what it meant to live on a farm.  When they later moved to Portland, Orv traded farm fields for the mechanic shop before he and Jackie built Hartner Crafts, their family woodworking and crafts business. They spent most weekends at local craft shows, building and selling their creations, and spending time with friends.  He worked hard to provide for his family and was most proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. From an early age Orv loved farming, working with his hands and staying busy; whether he was in the woodshop, fixing cars, tending his tomatoes, or tinkering with things around his assisted living center. He will be remembered for his steady demeanor and dry sense of humor.

For over 20 years, Orv battled Parkinson’s Disease with strength, grit, and determination. He is survived by his son Eric (Jenn) Hartner of Apex, NC, stepdaughter Sandy (Pat) Peabody of Portland, MI, and stepson Brian Rice.  He had five grandchildren Kayla Peabody, Allison Peabody, Zane Rice, Adalyn Hartner, & Kai Hartner. His surviving siblings Max Hartner, Phyllis Jury, and Brenda Fox. Preceded in death by his loving wife, Jacquelyn Hartner; parents, Margaret and Max Hartner; and sister Delenor Bell.   

The family will hold a Memorial service on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E Bridge St, Portland, MI 48875.  Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Roger Straub.  A luncheon will be served at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 8867 Kent Street, Portland, following the service.  Orv will be laid to rest at the Tobacco Township Dale Cemetery in Beaverton, Michigan with a private family burial following the luncheon. 

Orv loved to replant trees.  In lieu of flowers, replant a volunteer tree in his memory or donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. He leaves a legacy of hard work, family commitment, and proud craftsmanship, plus a knack for cobbling things back together with stubbornness and whatever he had lying around.