Kris A. Hartzell

Kris Ann (Weber) Hartzell, 74, of Rockford, passed away on February 19, 2024, at home surrounded by family. She was born May 26, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI. She grew up in Brookfield, WI where she met her husband Ronald J. Hartzell of 52 years. They moved to Rockford, IL in 1974, where they raised their 4 children and have watched their 7 grandchildren grow. Kris stayed at home while her kids were young until they started elementary school where she then started to work at Nashold Elementary and became a mom to many more children. Everyone loved Mrs. Hartzell. She was involved in all her children did along with helping the school in many ways. Her job duties included lunchroom aide, room mother, K-3 basic skills aide, chaperoned field trips, assistant to Brownie Troop 136 (where she made all the costumes for the plays and organized craft projects), student council advisor, vice present of PTO, was involved in the tutoring program and summer reading program, volunteered for years to work the safety patrol. Kris made every child feel special and loved. Everyone loved the way she warmed the halls of Nashold with her special art talent. Her favorite store was the 3R store! Kris was even nominated for the “those who Excel” award in 1991 through the Rockford Public Schools. After her children were out of school, Kris then went on to work for State Farm Insurance as an office manager until retirement. She worked there for many years. Kris really loved working at State Farm as much as she did the school. She met many new individuals, and she made many new friends, including her good friend, Judy Carlson. Just like all the kids loved her at school, all her clients loved her at State Farm. She was very active in her children’s lives growing up, where she served on the parent committee for Rockford Pony Baseball where her son played, worked the concession stand, volunteered as a scorekeeper, and would step in to coach when her husband could not make it. Kris always attended sporting events for all her children. She was in many different bowling leagues, loved to cook, quilt, sew, and crochet afghans. She would make her children’s Halloween costumes, blankets for the grandchildren, and quilts for everyone. She loved to watch her westerns on TV and of course watch the Packers play. Kris loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. One thing that has been carried on is family dinners, always making sure growing up that we ate as a family. Now that everyone is grown and out of the house, we all still get together and meet on Sunday for family dinners. Her recipes are even used for some of these dinners in which she taught her children to cook. Kris was able to be around for all of her grandchildren’s births. They all loved coming to see “Gumma”!

She is survived by those who loved her most, husband, Ronald J. Hartzell; children, Tanya (Brent) Tullock, Tricia Hartzell, and Tyler (Kelly) Hartzell; son-in-law, Mike McCammond; grandchildren, Logan and Kayla Tullock, Kyle Hartzell, Madison and Alyssa McCammond, and Avery and Bria Hartzell; and brother, Phil (Kay) Weber. She is predeceased by her parents, Russell and Ruth Weber; daughter, Tabatha McCammond; and brother, Jim Weber.

Kris will be deeply missed by many. Not only her family and friends but all the people she has touched throughout the years.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61108. A visitation will take place prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund, https://www.kidneyfund.org/. Please share memories and condolences online.