James “Jim” Herbert Hartel

James “Jim” Herbert Hartel of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born in Kearney, Missouri, Jim was the son of Homer and Ruth Hartel. He graduated from Kearney High School in 1952. A blind date brought Jim and Dolores June Wren together, beginning a marriage that would last almost 70 years. They were married on May 24, 1955, in Alabama.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957. His first assignment took him to San Diego for basic training and then to Alabama. During his service, he and Dolores were fortunate to spend a year living in Hawaii.

Following his Navy service, Jim and Dolores returned to Kearney, Missouri, where they settled and began their life together. His strong work ethic and dependable nature served him well throughout his career at MAPCO Pipeline. Working hard, providing for his family, and taking pride in what he accomplished were important to him.

A natural builder and tinkerer, Jim was rarely far from a project. Cars, woodworking, and building things kept him busy throughout his life. His woodworking skills were especially evident in the toys he made for his grandchildren, including wooden cars modeled after those from the early 1900’s. His grandchildren have fond memories of visiting his workshop and seeing what he had made for them during each visit.

Upon retirement, Jim and Dolores purchased a motorhome and spent more than 20 years traveling and enjoying their time together. In their later years, they spent the winter months in Yuma, Arizona, staying at the home of their good friend, Steve Ferguson. Those winters became a special part of their life together and provided many wonderful memories.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Glenn and Donald (Betty); his sister, Mildred (Orville); and his beloved wife, Dolores, whom he loved deeply and missed immensely.

Survivors include his sons, Jeff Hartel and David Hartel (Kathy); and daughter, Julie Moller (Brett) of Omaha. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie Hartel Cotton (Michael), Garrett Moller (Kelsey), Matthew Moller (Cossette), Thomas Moller (Karis), Kalie Hartel, and Harrison Hartel; great-grandchildren, Abie and Kaylee Cotton, Sullivan, Callie, Evelyn, Brett, Ada, Nell, and Wesley Moller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A truly wonderful man, Jim loved his wife and family deeply. He will be remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, and the happiness he found in his family, his home, his projects, and the simple pleasures of life. His family will forever treasure the memories they made with him and the lessons he taught them. He will be forever missed and forever loved.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.