Obituary of John Jay Hartong

A memorial will be held on Thursday, June 28th for John Hartong who passed away peacefully Tuesday morning June 19, 2012 in Santa Cruz. Born in Joliet, Illinois, he would have celebrated his 71st birthday in August. "Jack" as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, graduated from Santa Cruz High School and was a long time resident of Santa Cruz County. He worked as a mortgage lender with Watsonville Federal Savings and Loan for most of his 27-year career in banking and financing. Jack was also a past member of the Kiwanis club in Watsonville, and in later years, he volunteered his time for the Salvation Army. He received an award for his efforts as a bell ringer at Gottschalk's in Capitola, working many holiday seasons. His father, grandfathers and uncle all worked for the EJ&E Railroad in Joliet IL, and thus began Jack's infatuation with trains. He had an extensive collection of model trains and railroad memorabilia. He is survived by his son and daughter in-law, Jack Hartong and Jennifer Kern of Beaverton, OR; his mother, Catherine Lisdero of Capitola, his sister and brother in-law, Gail Korich and Charlie Wallace of Aptos, and close family friend Jeff Waldron. He was preceded in death by his father, John J Hartong and his stepfather, James Lisdero. A memorial celebration of Jack's life, with a reception to follow, will be held on Thursday June 28, 2012 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel beginning at 1 p.m. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Salvation Army (721 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060) If you would like to light a candle for Jack; sharing your thoughts and prayers, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.