NEWPORT NEWS — Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gail Marie Hartjen, 78, went to heaven Sunday, May 9, 2021. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a Peninsula resident since 1983.
In her 20’s she began her ministry of helping others. At first, she could only afford small monetary gifts. As time went on, her ministry included mentoring youth and Army personnel. Some of these people received financial assistance from her to go to college.
Her greatest joy happened when she, Wes and Marie Boyd “adopted” a needy family with four wonderful children. Their love was a blessing to her and was tremendously heartwarming.
Gail joined the U.S. Army in 1965 as a private E-1, and within four months, she became a drill sergeant. She attended Officer Candidate School, graduating in 1966 as a second lieutenant. Her overseas assignments included Ethiopia and Germany where she loved visiting the wonderful European art galleries. She went to the University of Maryland, attending evening classes to get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In 1986, she retired from Fort Eustis with more than 20 years of service. In 2002, she started flipping houses. She loved the challenge of restoring houses and earned the name “Bulldog” for her attention to the craft.
Gail is survived by her adopted family, Maria Cordoso, Ciro, Lupe Flores, Chris Flores, Maria Flores and James Flores; brother, the Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Hartjen, and his wife, Helen; niece, Dr. Ruth Hartjen (Krel); nephew, Raymond C. Hartjen III (Lori); and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at Grace United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hampton Roads Good Samaritan Fund, P.O. Box 298, Lanexa, VA 23089.
Share online condolences with the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
