Mark "Major" A. Hartel

Mark A. Hartel was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who lived life to the fullest every moment he got. Born on December 2, 1955, in Sturgeon Bay WI to Kathleen (Knipfer) and Harry Hartel. “Major,” to most who knew him, was tragically lost in a motorcycle accident on June 9, 2024, at the age of 68 in Yarnell, AZ. He left this earth doing what he loved the most, outside of spending time with his love, Diane.

He graduated from Alden Community High School in 1974 and enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1975 where he was an engineman working on diesel engines. He was medically discharged in October 1976. He continued working as a diesel mechanic for many years at JX Truck Center, also known as Peterbilt, and then retiring from Wisconsin Bus Sales as the Services Manager, in March 2022 after 21 years. In 1995, he reconnected with Diane North (Vierck) and from there, the rest is history. He proposed and went on to marry the love of his life on June 30, 2000, in Madison, WI. They lived in Stoughton, WI for 22 years until they made the decision to enjoy their retirement and time together in Sun City West, Arizona.

He became a member of the Capital City (C. C.) Riders Motorcycle Club in 1988. He was a dedicated member to his last day, riding with his colors proud. Over his 36 years as a C. C. Rider he held various officer positions, including 4 terms as President and Assistant Enforcer, Vice President, Event Chairman, and Assistant Road Captain. He organized many events benefitting various community organizations, but nothing was dearer to him than his Make-A-Wish and Kids Café events. He has raised over $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation over the past 10 years and $34,500 or 86,305 meals for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin’s Kids Café Backpack Program. He has organized many rides that support the community such as, Miles for Meals, Aces and Eats, and the All-Clubs Ride that benefitted the Linus Foundation and those for fun like 1 -2K in a day and the 4x4 ride. He was the living example of the club’s motto, “Nice Guys, Fun To Be With.” There was never a question about where you stood with him. If he liked you, you were family, and he would do anything for you but if he didn’t, you would know.

He was a sustaining member of ABATE of AZ, serving as their Sargent at Arms and the American Legion Riders, Cave Creek, AZ, Post 34. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle all over the country but really enjoyed Montana and Wyoming, riding alongside his C.C. Rider and Centurian club brothers, working on motorcycles, spending time with his family and grandchildren, and volunteering his time to help organizations connected to veteran services.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Lady Di; sons, Jack Hartel of McFarland, Adam (Jessica) Hartel of Sheboygan; daughters, Tonia (Kory) Finfrock of Stoughton, Tina (Aaron) Davis of Evansville, Jennifer (Anthony) Krause of Janesville WI; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Calvin, Max, Evan, Jaxon, Rose; brother Joe Hartel of Alden IA, Mary Ellen (Bart) Besaw of Luxemburg WI who was like a sister and many other family members in Sturgeon Bay, WI and the surrounding area and of course, their 4-legged companion, Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at the C. C. Rider’s Clubhouse on Sunday, July 21, 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military Honors will begin at 1:00 p.m. Sandwiches will be provided. The family asks that you bring a dish to pass, due to not knowing just how many will attend. If you made a Major favorite, please bring that share. There will be a private family gathering at Milton Lawns Memorial Park on Monday, July 22, 24.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to the Dry Hootch Madison be made in his honor. Donations can be mailed to Dry Hootch 4801 W National Ave, Milwaukee WI 53214.

We send a special thanks to the Yavapai County Medical Examiners Office and Regency Mortuary, Sun City AZ.