Michael Hartzheim

Michael John Hartzheim, 72, of Beaver Dam, WI passed away on May 29, 2021 at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, AZ from complications of Valley Fever – a fungal infection found primarily in the southwestern portion of the United States. The memorial gathering will be held at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on August 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. with Deacon Joseph Stafford (Michael’s cousin) officiating. A Celebration Luncheon will be served after the service. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam, WI. Michael “Mike” Hartzheim was born on Sept. 7, 1948 in Beaver Dam, WI to John “Jack” and Barbara (Hutter) Hartzheim. Mike grew up in Beaver Dam and graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1966. After graduating from Milwaukee Area Technical College, he worked for a while to earn money to continue his education at UW-Whitewater where he earned a BBA, Finance degree. He was employed by the State of WI at Fox Lake Correctional Institution until he retired in 2002. Michael married Diane Kopecky, Dec. 27, 1975 at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Michael’s avocation was the game of golf. As a youth, he learned the sport at Old Hickory Golf Club. It became a life-long passion. Not only did he enjoy playing rounds with friends and participating in tournaments, through many years he served on numerous golf committees and boards. He served on and chaired committees at Old Hickory, as well as serving on the Board and as President. Since 1988, Mike had been a WSGA Director, serving on the board for 33 years. He was an active tournament volunteer in addition to assignments on the Rules, Membership, Associate Director, and Course Ratings committees. He also served on the WSGA Executive Committee from 2010-2020. In 2004, Mike was elected to the NEWGA Board of Directors and served in that capacity until recently. Within the last few years, he joined the NEWGA Seniors Board. Since 2002, he volunteered as a rules official and tournament worker with the Wisconsin PGA. He also officiated WIAA State Boys and Girls Golf Championships. Michael was a longtime supporter of Evans Scholars Foundation which awards full tuition and housing scholarships to high-achieving caddies with limited financial means. When he was younger, Mike enjoyed league bowling – and was pretty good. When he quit league play, he seldom bowled but was asked to join a team for an annual bowling tournament. Michael enjoyed planting vegetables and flowers in his gardens but detested weeding. Since 2012, Mike and Diane have enjoyed spending winter at their home in Gilbert, AZ. For many years, Michael had been a Noon Kiwanian. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church/ St. Katharine Drexel. Michael is survived by his spouse, Diane and two daughters – Jennifer Hartzheim, Oshkosh, and Laura Hartzheim, Beaver Dam, siblings Peter (Patricia) Hartzheim, Fox Lake; Paul Hartzheim (Joanne Webber), Beaver Dam and Heidi (David) Elgersma, Beaver Dam., as well as a niece, nephews, and cousins. Also, the family’s dog Fergie, who gave Mike much enjoyment. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lawrence Hartzheim. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Evans Scholars Foundation http://www.wgaesf.org/ or U of AZ Foundation/Valley Fever Center for Excellence (Excellence Endowment Fund) https://give.uafoundation.org/com-tuc-VFCE .