Walter "Rod" Hartjen, 86

Walter "Rod" Hartjen, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 after an extended illness.

Born in Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Walter and Morisa Hartjen. He received his master's degree from Adelphi University and was a 20-year veteran of the Air Force, having served in World War II.

Rod retired in 1986 from teaching high school. Before moving to Hendersonville last year, he had resided in Brevard for 21 years. Rod participated in the Transylvania County Senior Games and volunteered for the US Forest Service. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.

Rod is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carrie Hartjen; his son, Paul Hartjen and wife, Cassie, and their children, Andrew, Luke and Alana; and his daughter, Laura Jones and husband, Michael, and their children, Nevin, Michayla and Caleb.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.