SPIRIT LAKE — Ricky Bill “Rick” Hartwig, 62, of Spirit Lake, died Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake following complications from ALS.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at Gilbert Park.
Those attending the services are encouraged to dress in classic Hartwig style by wearing Spirit Lake Indians, Iowa Hawkeyes or Minnesota Vikings clothing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the ALS Association.
Rick was born April 18, 1964, in Spirit Lake, the son of Ronny and Connie Sawyer Hartwig. He was raised in Spirit Lake and graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1982.
He continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College before beginning a working career marked by dedication, energy and a willingness to help others.
Rick worked at several local businesses over the years, including Red Owl, Hardee’s, Whataburger, Shaw’s Paint, Glass and Locksmithing, and Jimmy John’s.
His longest tenure was with Shaw’s, where he became the Lakes Area’s trusted locksmith for nearly 30 years. His skill, reliability and familiarity made him a well-known figure throughout the community.
Rick was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Known by many friends and relatives as “Pickle,” Rick possessed a larger-than-life personality and rarely encountered a stranger. He enjoyed socializing, grilling, boating and attending community events.
Rick was an enthusiastic sports fan who faithfully supported the Spirit Lake Indians, Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. Purple and gold were frequent fixtures in his wardrobe, and he proudly supported the Vikings through every season.
He attended countless Spirit Lake school activities, cheering for his children, their friends and generations of young athletes.
Rick also gave his time to young people by coaching Little League and leading a Boy Scout troop. He enjoyed playing catch with his children and encouraging them in every activity they pursued.
Bowling was another longtime interest. Rick competed in numerous tournaments and made several trips to Reno to participate in competitions.
Hunting held a special place in his heart. He treasured early mornings spent heading into the slough with his sons during deer season. Bringing home a prize buck mattered far less to him than sharing the experience with his children.
Above all, Rick was devoted to his family.
His children, Trevor, Skyler and Shayna, were his pride and joy. He made a point of telling them that he loved them every day and was always ready to help with a project, watch sports or offer some good-natured teasing.
Rick especially cherished being “Grandpa Pickle” to his grandchildren, Hazel and Hudson.
He faced life with gratitude and optimism, believing that every day was a great day. His humor, generosity, work ethic and unmistakable personality left an impression on family members, coworkers, customers and friends throughout the Lakes Area.
Rick is survived by his children, Trevor Hartwig and his wife, Lauren, Skyler Hartwig and Skylor Hartwig, and Shayna Nelson and her husband, Shane; grandchildren, Hazel and Hudson Hartwig; father, Ronny Hartwig; brothers, Rodney Hartwig and his wife, Autumn, and Robert Hartwig; Phyllis Hartwig; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended relatives, friends, coworkers and community members.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Hartwig; grandparents, Don and Lorene Sawyer, Edwin and Audrey Hartwig, and George Lempianen; aunt and uncle, Sherry and Ray Easterlin; uncle, Randy Hartwig; mother-in-law, Diane Steinfadt; brother-in-law, Patrick Heissel; and other relatives.
Rick will be remembered as an unforgettable man who loved his family without reservation, served his community willingly and appreciated every breath of his 62 years.
TURNER JENNESS FUNERAL HOME is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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