John William Hartwig

John William Hartwig, 91, of Medford, town of Little Black, died Friday, March 20, 2026 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

He was born Feb. 20, 1935 at home in Little Black to Earl and Theoline (Johnson) Hartwig. He grew up on the family farm and attended the Little Black school. He graduated from Medford High School in 1953.

Shortly after high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. serving from June 16, 1955 until his honorable discharge on May 30, 1959. He spent much of his service in Taiwan & the Philippines.

On Sept. 9, 1961, he married Mabel Rau at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. They resided in the town of Little Black. John worked as a heavy equipment operator for J. Peterson & Sons and was a member of The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139. In the winters, he would work in logging and at various mink ranches.

John enjoyed deer hunting, watching old westerns, football and NASCAR. He loved “putzing around” in

1935-2026

his woods, making firewood, and enjoying nature. He cherished his two grandchildren and loved spending time with them and was very supportive of their activities. He was never without his cowboy hat, and enjoyed having a cold one every now and then.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 64 years, Mabel Hartwig, of Medford; daughter, Susan Schreiber, of Wausau; grandchildren, Rachael Schreiber, of Omaha, Neb., and Aedan Schreiber, of Medford; brothers-inlaw, Ted (Helen) Rau and Allen Rau, all of Medford.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Henry and Helen Rau; his son, David Hartwig in 2024; and his brother, Thomas Hartwig, also in 2024.

John’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs at Brost Chiropractic, Aspirus Hospital in Medford, Abbotsford Health Care Center and Marshfield Medical Center for their skillful care, kindness and great compassion shown to John and his family in his final days.

A Celebration of John’s Life with military honors will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Memorials are appreciated and may go to Hope Hospice or to the Veteran’s organization of your choice.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 181704