Robert James Hartsock – Gresham Memorial

Bob passed away April 23, 2019 in Portland at the age of 82.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa to Ernest and Clarice Hartsock. He was the seventh of nine childrenand raised on a 200 acre farm in Oxford, Iowa.

Bob graduated from Oxford High School in June of 1954 and enlisted in the Air Force one month later. After boot camp he was sent to Portland Air Base. While in Portland he met and fell in love with his first wife Merrilie Dian Erickson. They married on August 4, 1956. They had four children of which they were very proud. Robert James Jr., Debra Jean, Melody Raye, and Kathryn Lorrayne. He was discharged from the Air Force in 1960 after having served six years and was SSGT E-5.

He worked in construction with his father-in-law for several years. He became a Portland fire fighter in 1962 where he served proudly for 24 years. Because of a back injury he went on disability and was retired when he had thirty years in August of 1992.

He married Elaine Marie Webber on Dec. 12, 1981 and gained another daughter Christina MarieWhite. He joined the American Legion Post One and served as finance officer for 11 years and was just elected for another year. He also donated his time to other events and planned the Friendship

Dinner with the Auxiliary which honors the fire fighter and police officer of the year.

Bob is survived by his wife; Elaine, sister; Laura, brother; John, also by his children Rob Jr., Debra, Melody, Kathryn and Christina. There are 10 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A committal service with military honors will be at 12:30, Wednesday, May 15 at Willamette National Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2p.m. at Gresham Memorial Chapel.

The family suggest contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund.

Robert James Hartsock May 15, 1936 - April 23, 2019

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