Daryl Walter Hartzog, 93, died August 21, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Daryl was born October 3, 1930, to Harold Clifton Hartzog and Dena Kroeze Hartzog in Long Island, Kansas. After Harold’s death in 1936, Dena married George Gillespie in 1940 and the family moved to a farm south of Jennings, where Daryl and his siblings grew up. Daryl was drafted during the Korean War and joined the Army in 1952. He later completed 10 weeks of basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He served the remainder of his service at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and was honorably discharged in 1954.

After his discharge from the U.S. Army with the rank of Corporal, Daryl resumed work on the family farm, raising wheat, corn and milo, as well as managing a cattle and hog operation. Daryl married Marjorie Shimmick on October 25, 1959 in Jennings and they had four sons: Scott, Steve, Stann and Stacy. Daryl eventually turned over primary management of the farm to Stann, but never stopped being involved in the farming operation. He drove the tractor and worked in the fields for two months before his death. With the exception of the last wheat harvest and

During his time in the Army, Daryl was involved in approximately 80 summer harvests starting at age 14.

Daryl was a member of the American Legion for 70 years and was very active in supporting and promoting Legion events. He participated in the Honor Guard and Firing Squad at Memorial Day ceremonies and funerals. He was a strong supporter of Veterans Affairs and the inspiration for the re-establishment of a squadron of the Sons of The American Legion in Jennings. He was instrumental in working with the American Legion to encourage the formation of the SAL in Jennings and was proud of his sons’ participation in the Sons of the American Legion. Daryl was a lifelong coin collector, especially silver dollars. In later years he gave away many valuable dollar coins as Christmas gifts. He was also passionate about collecting Winchester rifles and other rare weapons. He collected small farm toys and was passionate about vintage cars and pickup trucks. Daryl was an avid sports fan, especially all Kansas teams. Recent highlights of his life have included a family trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, an Honor Flight to Washington, DC, a trip to Angel Fire, NM to help his sons lay a brick in his name at the Veterans Memorial Brick Walkway, and the fulfillment of a lifelong wish to visit Saguaro National Park in Arizona, along with a side trip to White Sands, NM on the way home.

One of the best moments in Daryl’s life was with his only grandchild, Allison Hartzog. They loved to operate the combine together and go on trips on the ATV or the John Deere Gator, which he taught her to drive.

Daryl is survived by his wife Marjorie Hartzog, his sons Scott Hartzog and wife Tracey, Norcatur, KS, Steve Hartzog, Garland, TX, Stann Hartzog, Jennings, KS, Stacy Hartzog and wife Jocelyn, and his granddaughter Allison Hartzog of Olathe, KS. Daryl was preceded in death by his father Harold Hartzog, his mother Dena Kroeze Hartzog Gillespie, his stepfather George Gillespie, his brother Earl Hartzog, his sister Darlene LaRue, his brother-in-law Martin LaRue, and his sisters-in-law Patty Hartzog, Joyce Hartzog and Erma Gillespie.

Viewing and support for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jennings United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on August 28th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Jennings United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Jennings Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jennings American Legion, Post #351. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.