Larry D. Hartzler

Larry D. Hartzler, 86, of Brookston, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Aster Place of Lafayette.

  Larry was born January 22, 1938, in Goshen, Indiana to the late Dean B. and Ruth M. (Troyer) Hartzler.  Larry was a 1956 graduate of Goshen High School and went on to graduate from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1959.  After mortuary school, Larry returned home to begin his funeral career at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home of Goshen.

  His marriage of nearly 64 years was to Norine E. Boyts on September 25, 1960, in Goshen.  

  Larry served in the United States Army as a Supply Clerk in the 93rd Engineering Company and was stationed in Germany from 1961-1963.  

  On July 1, 1965, Larry and Norine purchased the Thompson Funeral Home in Brookston from Paul and Bessie Thompson, continuing their standard of excellence.  For 38 years, Larry served the community with dignity, professionalism and kindness.  Larry’s warm comforting presence and gentle smile put others at ease in their most difficult of times and quickly made families more friends than clients.

  Larry modeled his Christian faith through his service to the community and also to his church, the Federated Church of Brookston.  He served the church in many capacities, including Trustee, Deacon and Choir Director.  Larry was a life member of the White County Historical Society, serving as board member, President and Treasurer.  He was an avid collector of Brookston, Chalmers and White County memorabilia, and Loons and German beer steins.  Larry was also a member of the Brookston Optimist and Lions Clubs and was a volunteer and past board member of the White County Food Pantry.  He was a charter member and past President of Prairieland Community Housing.  Larry was also a 50-year member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and longtime member of the National Funeral Directors Association.

  Surviving with his wife, Norine are their children, Michelle Bolin (Tim Weiler) of Cincinnati, OH and Troy Hartzler (Mischelle) of Brookston; and a grandson, Matthew Bolin (Nicole) of Whitestown.  Larry loved spending time with his family, especially his two great-grandchildren, Hadley and Blakely.

  Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. (EST) Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (101 W. 4th St.  Brookston, IN) and also from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, also at the funeral home; Rev. David Doles and Larry’s long-time friend, Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate.  Interment to follow in Spring Creek Cemetery of rural Brookston.  

  Memorials may be given in Larry’s name to the Brookston Federated Church or Spring Creek Cemetery.

His friends at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home are honored to provide services for Larry.