JACK HARTEL PASSES AT 80

                                                   THE HARTEL/RIPKOWSKI CLAN

Most of us just knew three things about Jack Hartel.

He was extermely likable. He was a huge Texas Longhorn fan. And he would always be an important part of Liberty County history mostly because he was the County Attorney for over four decades. People that know his family know he must have been a great father and that his relatives are proud , like anyone would be, to have him in the family tree. Jack was already missed a great deal after his retirement and he will be missed even more with his passing. 

 

 A heartfelt salute to you Jack Hartel! You were loved much on this earth and you will be remembered with great affection by many.

 

The following is a copy of Jack Hartel's obituary and it is worth reading:

 

In late 1950's, jack is second from the left.

 

Arthur John "Jack" Hartel, III
November 19, 1933 -
May 22, 2014
Arthur John "Jack" Hartel, III, passed away very peacefully on May 22, 2014 at the age of 80. The Honorable Jack Hartel, Liberty County Attorney from 1965 to 2008, was born in Houston, Texas on November 19, 1933, the son of Arthur John "Artie" Hartel, Jr. and Blanche Eleanor Riviére Hartel.
Jack was graduated from Liberty High School in 1951 then went to "Heaven on Earth" - otherwise known as The University of Texas at Austin. At UT, Jack was an officer of both the Texas Cowboys and the Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He received his BA in Liberal Arts from The University of Texas at Austin in 1956, and married his high school sweetheart Laura Jane Finley. Jack earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas Law School; he was graduated with honors as a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Honor Fraternity from UT Law School in 1960.
After receiving his law degree, Jack returned to Liberty with Laura where he served as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and CPS Legal Counsel Advocate. After a short stint as Assistant City Attorney, Jack ran for Liberty County Attorney in 1965 went on to run unopposed for 10 subsequent terms before retiring in December 2008.
Throughout his life Jack was involved in First Liberty National Bank and from 1960 to 2009 served on the Board of Trustees as well as many committees. Jack was Vice President and board member of the Rotary Club, and for several years served on the board of the Magnolia Ridge Country Club. In addition, Jack served as an officer in the Cancer Society of South Liberty County, March of Dimes Liberty Chapter, Liberty Historical Society, and Chamber of Commerce. Over the years he was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Liberty Jaycees. Jack was especially proud of the achievements that were made during his tenure as a Board member of the Tri-County Mental Health Mental Retardation system. Jack served actively on the Board from 1986 until his accidental fall in 2009.
Most special thanks and love go to Michael Henderson, Daphne Dickerson, and Ruthie Minix, who showed loyalty, companionship and loving care to Jack in his last years. His family also extends a sincere and heart-felt thank you to all of Jack's doctors, nurses and therapists, especially the staff at Odyssey Hospice, Angels Above Us, Methodist Hospital Houston, and Touchstone Neurorecovery Conroe.
Jack will be deeply missed by his three daughters Laurie Hartel Vaught of Liberty, Angie Hartel Patterson and husband Blake Patterson of Austin, and Jackie Hartel of Liberty as well as beloved grandchildren Jake Vaught, Finley Patterson, and Ava Patterson. Jack is also survived by his sister Jane Hartel Ripkowski, four nieces, four nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Laura Jane Finley Hartel (dcd. October 18, 2001), his mother Blanche Eleanor Riviére Hartel, father Arthur John Hartel, Jr., sister Joe Ann Hartel Root, son-in-law Nicky Joe Vaught, and brothers-in-law John Dallas Root and Herman Edward Ripkowski.
Prayers of the Rosary will be recited on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 5:00pm with visitation immediately following at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty, Texas. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Church with burial to follow in Liberty Catholic Cemetery. Honoring Jack as pallbearers are Jay Arnold, Russell Boles, Jim Bob Evans, Steve Maxwell, Artie Ripkowski, David Ripkowski, Jay Root and Joey Root. Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby Evans, Tommy Mullins, Ed Pickett, Carl Pickett, and members of the "Prayer Meeting" group, Liberty Rotary Club, and the "Old Timers Breakfast Club." Jack would be pleased if memorial donations were made to Tri-County Services, P. O. Box 306, Conroe, TX 77305 or to Immaculate Conception Church, 411 Milam Street, Liberty, Texas 77575.