Hartenstein, Otto H.

Otto Hartenstein, of Blacksburg, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at his home. He was born March 8, 1931 in Heidelberg, Germany. He was a skilled ornamental and art metal journeyman with his family’s metalworks before he found his passion and ensuing patriotism for America during the United States occupation of Heidelberg at the end of World War II. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, became a U.S. citizen on November 11, 1954 and served from 1953 to 1960. He later served in the Civil Air Patrol, a USAF Auxiliary, from 1974 to 1994 as Supply Officer, Finance Officer and Squadron Commander. This led to becoming a pilot in 1981. He was a current member of the American Legion, serving as Commander for Post 182. His lifetime career was in architecture and his greatest interest and past time was his G-Scale Garden Railroad. He designed and built an extensive backyard layout and it became a true source of great pleasure and satisfaction. It had been featured in Blacksburg’s Friendly Garden Tour. He also had a great compassion for dogs and there was never a dog he met or that met him that an instant bond wasn’t formed. He was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church for over 40 years. Not the least of his life achievements, he was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irmtraut, nee Tintelnot, Hartenstein; his four children and their families, Theodore (Ted) of Tucson, Ariz., Julie Kinter of Waynesville, N.C., Joyce Mills of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Christine (Cre) Hartenstein of Blacksburg, Va.; and his brother, Theodore Hartenstein and his family of Heidelberg, Germany. His family wishes to convey their heartfelt thanks to their Lutheran Church family and Susan Pratt, RN, and the Good Samaritan Hospice team that played a part in making his final days easier and richer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 600 Price’s Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or the American Legion, Post No. 182, PO Box 10031, Blacksburg, VA 24062 or any Humane Society. A Memorial Service will be held at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Schroeder officiating. Family will receive friends at the reception immediately following the service. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.