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Jeff Hartsook, 60, passed away on May 28, 2021 from complications of cancer. Jeff fought valiantly for thirteen months before the cancer consumed his body and the Good Lord said it was time to work in his garden.
Jeffrey Scott Hartsook was born on November 6, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio to Harry & Vera (Schmidt) Hartsook. Jeff joined big brother, Vinson. Before long the boys were welcoming two sisters. Lori and Janelle, to make the Hartsook Family complete.
Jeff spent six years in the Amy National Guard. One of the jobs he held was a technical draftsman. That skill enabled Jeff to further enhance his creative side. Jeff could make flowers, animals, and landscapes jump right off of the paper or canvas whether it was colored pencil, ink pen or acrylic paint. His artwork has been shared with family and friends and even sold for charity.
Jeff later earned an Associate’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree. He also took necessary classes to earn “Master Gardener” status. Gardening was a huge passion that started as a child and continued until his last breath. He was a great teacher to many when they needed planting and growing advice.
On October 5, 1991, Jeff started an unexpected yet meant-to-be friendship with Terri Passe, the young lady who would become his wife three years later. An easy and unconditional friendship blossomed into an amazing love story; a love that withstood difficulties most couples could not imagine or navigate. Through ups and downs, Jeff and Terri showed others with friendship, love, laughter, hard work, and God’s guidance that all things are possible.
Jeff and Terri were married on August 29, 1994. When Jeff was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer and the prognosis was not favorable, there was no time like the present for them to renew their marriage vows. Outdoors, during a pandemic, with family and friends to witness. Jeff and Terri said “I Do” again on August 15, 2020.
Jeff and Terri worked hard to support each other even when they drove each other crazy!! They knew they were stronger together. Once Jeff started home hospice care they realized their time together was getting short, Terri asked Jeff if he would watch over her and give her a sign: Jeff looked at Terri with his mischievous grin and wide eyes and said “Boo!!”. Jeff always had a great attitude and never gave up the laughter and jokes during the fight of his life.
Jeff is survived by his forever & always love, Terri; father, Harry Hartsook, of Hillard, OH; brother, Vince (Marlena) Hartsook; sister, Lori (Bob) Drenten; Sister, Janelle (Mike) Hartsook-Tumeo; all of Hillard, OH. Father-in-law, William Passe of Wabasha, MN; sister-in-law, Tracy Passe of Wabasha, MN, sister-in-law, Jerri (Don) Corey of Mass City, MI. Nieces; Brittany (Dustin) Francis; Samantha Hartsook (Phredd Mills); Stephanie (David) Ferro, Deanna Drenten; Ryleigh Tumeo; Saydi Tumeo: Jennifer (Nathan) Patraw; Heidi Bergquist; Brianna Welch; Emily Kircher John Moreno). Great nieces; Natalie and Brooklynn Bergquist, Jaylen Mills. Great nephews; Wyatt & Owen Francis, Julian Mills, Noah & Nevin Patraw, and Wyatt Welch. First cousins; Karen (Chris) Yost, Larry (Jenifer) Shaw, Dave (Cindy) Snyder, Laurel (Gene) McClurken, and Chuck (Debbie) Wolfe. Special friends Steve & Cindy Contizano, Aunt Joann & Uncle Mike Blair, Mark & Barb Heit, Don & Marybeth Borman Family, Aunt Mary Hall and Bob & Corinne Graf.
Jeff & Terri are also blessed with a wonderful spiritual leader, Pastor Jim Watson, and a large church family at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Valley City, Ohio. Jeff and Terri always truly felt God led them to the ‘church on the hill’ and the amazing friendships that have been nurtured over the years. “THANK YOU!!
Waiting to greet Jeff when he joins loved ones in Heaven are his mom, Vera; maternal grandmother, Louisa Schmidt; paternal grandmother, Doris Bowen; mother-in-law, MaryAnna Passe; and sister-in -law, Toni Passe. Jeff said once he got settled, he would be hanging out with Toni at the Rainbow Bridge taking care of the animals and every dog he ever wanted!
If you would like to honor Jeff please feel free to dress in your favorite Big 10 attire. Jeff was a huge Buckeyes fan but supported all Big 10 especially for the tournaments.
There will be calling hours from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, May 31, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2233 Abbeyville Road, Valley City, where the Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the funeral.
Memorials may be made to Jeff’s wife, Terri, to help defray final expenses.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey S. Hartsook, please visit our floral store.