Mike Hartner

Dear Hearts: a Portrait of George and Marie Mike Hartner

Marie and George were hands-on grandparents. There were times when the grandchildren entertained themselves with bumper pool, tag in the yard, the rock garden, or the oak tree in the back. More often than not, though, you would find Marie playing 'spite and malice' or 'Connect 4' or something with her grandchildren. George took the grandchildren to ball games (both football and baseball depending on the season), and made a game of helping him to restock the basement fridge. Every time the grandchildren did something that touched Marie or George in a sentimental way, Marie would always be there with great big hugs and call them her 'Dear Hearts'.