Kenneth John Hartlage

Kenneth John Hartlage February 24, 1934 – February 5, 2026 Kenneth John Hartlage passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026 at the age of 91 surrounded by his devoted wife and four children. He was at home in Fort Myers, Florida, overlooking the golf course he so loved. He was a devoted husband and father and lived his life in a loving, faithful, generous, passionate, and fun loving manner. Kenneth (Ken) grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Valley High School, where he was an accomplished athlete playing multiple sports. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955. The discipline and grit Ken developed as a Marine never left him and were evident in his strong work ethic, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. In 1957, Ken married Mary C. Vowels, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 68 years. In 1959, he went to work at Hartlage Fence Company, where he quickly distinguished himself as a top salesman. While Ken and Mary were busy raising their four children during his early years at the company, they eventually went on to purchase and build a successful business that still bears the Hartlage family name. As the business prospered, Ken and Mary began traveling to southwest Florida, where their days were filled with golf and time on the beach. In 1996, they purchased a home in Lexington Country Club. Over time, they spent more of each year in Fort Myers, building a full and active life and forming many close and lasting friendships. Ken fully embraced the Florida lifestyle, indulging his love of golf and bocce, where he was known as both a fierce and fun competitor. Deeply devoted to Mary, he often spoke of how much he cherished their life together in Florida. Ken was a man of deep faith. A devout Catholic, he attended Mass weekly and found strength in prayer throughout his life. He felt God’s presence deeply, and his parishes in both Louisville and Florida were sources of fellowship, friendship, and spiritual grounding. Known to his grandchildren as Papaw, Ken was always full of laughter and never missed a chance to share a good joke. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking walks on the beach and challenging them to games of Joker and marbles. He was immensely proud of each of them, and it brought him great joy to watch them grow into adulthood. Ken is survived by his adored wife, Mary Vowels Hartlage; his children Bree Hartlage (Tawny), Karen McLeod (Kent), Jan Steck, and Jeff Hartlage (Julie); his grandchildren Amy Fillers (Sabrina), Chris Hartlage (Julia), Maggie Hartlage (Pilar), Garrett Steck (Claire), Kaci McLeod, Haley Apker (Will), and Kailey McLeod; his great-grandchildren Jayden Fillers and Cooper Hartlage; his sister Emarita Leitner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Emma Stuber Hartlage, and his siblings Rosemary O’Neil, Clarence Hartlage (Ella), Estelle Greenwell (Bill), Ernest Hartlage (Ida), and Julian Hartlage. Services for Ken will be held at St. Columbkille Catholic Church on February 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Lexington Country Club. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Kenneth John Hartlage

February 24, 1934 - February 5, 2026