Hailey B. Hartjes' Obituary
Hailey B. Hartjes, age 15, of the Town of Saxeville, WI, passed away after an undisclosed acute infection on Monday, August 19, 2024. Born on September 11, 2008, in Waupaca, Hailey was the second-born daughter to Daniel and Virginia "Ginny" (Tate) Hartjes. She was a bright and adventurous spirit, set to begin her sophomore year at Weyauwega-Fremont High School this fall.
From a young age, Hailey's love for animals, especially horses, was unmistakable. This passion led her to compete in barrel races across the U.S., including events in Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, and all throughout Wisconsin. Her competitive spirit and dedication to her horses, Bacardi and Dunkin, were matched only by her kindness and gentle way with animals. She shared her life with her beloved cats and her loyal dog, Diesel, who never left her side.
An outdoors girl through and through, Hailey loved the simple joys of nature—whether it was planting watermelons and strawberries in the garden, going mudding with friends, or enjoying Wisconsin winters through ice fishing. She had a soft spot for Dodge pickup trucks and never turned down a scoop of ice cream. Her infectious laughter, adventurous spirit, and love for life's little moments touched all who knew her.
Hailey’s family and friends will remember her as a light in their lives—someone who brought joy, energy, and compassion wherever she went. She will be deeply missed by her parents Dan and Ginny Hartjes of Wild Rose; her sister Maddi (special friend Jake Much) Hartjes of Weyauwega; her paternal grandmother Diane Hartjes of Hazelhurst; her maternal grandmother Florence (Douglas) Middleton of Weyauwega; and her best friend Willow Schultz of Winneconne.
Hailey is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Ron (Sherry) Hartjes and their daughter Amanda of Manawa; Dave (Sandy) Hartjes of Arbor Vitae; Robert Tate Jr. and his daughter Sydney of Weyauwega; Cynthia (Scott Hanson) Tate of Weyauwega; Adam Hoeft of Clintonville; and Michelle Lemmers of Clintonville.
Hailey was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Thomas Hartjes, and her maternal grandfather Robert Tate Sr.
A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Hailey’s life will be held at the Manawa Rodeo Grounds, E5888 County Road B, Manawa, WI, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hailey Hartjes Benefit at any local Community First Credit Union. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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