Leonard Erwin Haertling

Leonard Erwin Haertling, 94 of Nashville, passed away at 11:05 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Washington County Hospital in Nashville surrounded by his family.  He was born on August 15, 1931 in Altenburg, MO, the son of Edgar and Heartha Reuhling Haertling. He married Lorene Ruth Schilling on July 10, 1955 in Altenburg, MO and she passed away on May 8, 2024.  Also preceding him in death were his parents, 3 brothers; Ray, Norman and Ed Haertling and 2 sisters: Elaine Hadler and Vernell Steiner.

Left to mourn his passing are 2 sons; Steven (Amy) Haertling and David (Donna) Haertling both of Nashville.  3 daughters; Martha (Tom) Polczynski of Nashville, Julie (Bob) Burgess of Superior Township, MI and Michelle (Brian) Grathwohl of Richview. A sister Gladys Prevallet of Nashville, TN. 15 grandchildren; Allie (Scott) Gibbs, Lanie (Ian) Smith, Devin (Dana) Haertling, Carly (Zach) Olszewski, Braedon (Chelsea) Haertling, Keely (Mike) Bosau, Erin (Ryan) Cook, Ryan (Mae) Polczynski, Megan (Mike) Phelps, Nathan Burgess, Jess Burgess, Stephanie (Adam) Weiss, Curtis (Danielle) Grathwohl, Justin (Shawn) Grathwohl and Emma Grathwohl.  26 great grandchildren; Quinn, Harrison, Carter, Owen, Ezra, Tyler, Bennett, Rhodes, Porter, Lowen, Bella, Beau, Bobby, Tommy, Lily, Cami, Arthur, Charlotte, Colette, Gavin, Jake, Luke, Aedan, Ty, Olivia, Liara and Baby H. 

Leonard received his degree in Education from Concordia University in River Forest.  He was a Lutheran educator, coach and Walther League Leader.  He and his late wife Lorene owned and operated Haertling Hardware in Nashville for many years.  He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville where he was active in the Men’s Bible Study.  He was also very active in the Washington County Camp of Gideon’s International. He was a former Nashville Citizen of the Year and enjoyed bee keeping, hunting, fishing, wine making, gardening, being outdoors in general and doing puzzles.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville with Rev.'s David Benning and Matt Schilling officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville. Friends may also view and sign the guest book from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Washington County Gideon’s or the Trinity Lutheran Church organ fund. 

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