Bonnie Jo Hartke, 81, of Litchfield, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 500 S. Rt. 66 in Mt. Olive. The Rev. Zach Krampion will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.
Mrs. Hartke was born on April 14, 1944, in Carlinville, a daughter of Glenn Lester and Betty Jean (Fenton) Dickey. She graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1962. She first married Ray D. Niemann, with whom she had three children, and they later divorced.
She and Richard William Hartke were married on March 7, 1975, where she was blessed to add three bonus daughters, and in time, the couple added a son.
Mrs. Hartke had a deep love for her family and taking family trips. Living and working on the farm brought her great joy, along with keeping an immaculate yard and baking her delicious chocolate chip cookies. She had a servant’s heart as an active member of Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), Mt. Olive, and as a dependable volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Additionally, Mrs. Hartke served on the board of directors at Bank and Trust Co.
Mrs. Hartke is survived by her sons, Kevin Niemann (Tracy) and Brian Niemann (Penny), all of Litchfield, and Travis Hartke (Linsey) of Boise, ID; daughters, Dawn Wheat (Jeff) of Litchfield, Debra Claytor (Kenneth) of Fulshear, TX, and Karla Smith (Bill) of Wartrace, TN; sisters, Nancy Steward of Raymond and Patsy Awwad (Ralph) of Prudenville, MI; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney (Genevieve) Fritchley and children Daphne and Benjamin, Caleb (Caitlin) Niemann; Elizabeth (Ethan) Carlock; Hannah (Cody) Savage and their soon to be born son, Hank; Hunter (Hannah) Niemann; Amber Wheat, Paige Wheat, Hazel Hartke, Lincoln Hartke, Lennox Hartke, Michael (Kaitlyn) Starbody and their children, Harper and Beckham; Austin Claytor, Kelli Claytor, Ann (Trent) Bale and children Greyson, Lilly, Colt, and Charlotte; Daniel (Olivia) Coatney and their son, Jase; and Samantha (Terrance) Williamson and their daughter, Madelyn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Betty Dickey; husband, Richard W. Hartke; and daughter, Pamela (Hartke) Coatney.
In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, the family suggests memorials be directed to Meals on Wheels Program, Ronald McDonald House-Springfield, or Zion Lutheran Church-Mt. Olive. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
