Pete Hartje Obituary

Port A will never be the same without Pete. We met Pete in 2007 when we bought our condo at Twin Palms and he sold us storm shutters. He was always willing to come fix a window or shattered glass door even when he "retired." Not too long ago he and Gerald shared chest scars and stories from their heart surgeries. Last time we saw him was at Ace Hardware w Gator and both were getting lots of attention. We were fortunate to get to know his beloved Kelly when she did all new blinds in our condo after the hurricane. What a delight!
Donna & Gerald Hill

I met Pete through his "bride". I loved when he called you at work and I answered the phone. He never asked for Kelly. He always asked for his bride or his sweetheart. How he loved you and the pups. He always asked the team to let me know he was there so he could say hello and chat. Such a nice, kind, funny human. He will be missed by many. Love you Kelly.
Brigitte

The year was 1974. I was 14 years old and invited into my friend Robert´s house for the first time.It was a beautiful home and as we entered through the back door into the kitchen, I could hear a heavy thump coming from upstairs and what sounded like a Beatles tune playing. As Robert lead me up the grand staircase the volume steadily increased from the back of the house until I could hear "I am the Walrus" playing at what seemed to be at least 100 decibels. When we finally got to the door where this Beatles concert was playing, out jumps this 16 year old kid singing at the top of his lungs right in my face"I am the Walrus Coo coo cachoo". Well after the song finished he said" Who´s your little buddy Robert?" Robert said this is Scott and he said" Hey Scott I´m Steve. He called himself Steve back then. He was a really cool cat and always treated me with respect. I will never forget you and your kindness PeteO.

I shared my thoughts and memories, I thought, with the photo of Pete and I, from a play in 2000. I´m not sure if it will still show up, but this was the beginning of a long friendship. I will always hear his laugh in y heart and head. Love you Kelly

I had the pleasure of meeting Pete while doing theatre in Port A. To find out he was a musician, was just the icing on the cake. I grew up performing in bands with my Dad. Pete had a personality larger than life! His heart was as big as they come. His love of dogs was a huge connection. He seemed to love my dogs as much as I did, never mind the fact that he knew them only through Facebook. I had the privilege of hiring Pete to play Standup Bass for a show in CC. His enthusiasm was contagious.
When I met Kelly, I could see why Pete was smitten. They were made for one another. Kelly was obviously the love of his life. I was so happy for them when they tied the knot. Pete, you will be missed. You made your mark on the World through your kindness, your talent, your generosity, your sense of humor and your love of life. The World lost a good man and Heaven just became an even better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kelly. I know you have many wonderful memories to comfort you. Rest in peace, Peeto. You were truly one of a kind.

I met Pete through my brother Sinks and my sister-in-law Kathy the last time I saw Pete was at Carol's house last Febuary of 2023 he came up and gave me the biggest hug mind you I had not seen him in many years I find him very enjoyable to be around

I had 23 years with Peeto and I will miss him forever. With a wink, he offered me a bite of his ice cream the second time we ever saw each other. He made me laugh every day. He was my tree hugging, save the whales, gay rights, dog loving, looking good in tools mister fix-it guy. I hope to meet all his Conway friends this Saturday at our celebration of his life and make sure to bring your Peeto stories. He could always tell a good one.

Met Pete when he & some friends first came to Port Aransas on vacation. I was working at Sandollar Sity on the beach. The beach was totally flooded as a Hurricane had just missed us. Town was deserted; but, here come these people walking up!
They spent a few hours visiting & quizzing me about Port A. Next time I saw Pete, he said I made the move. I´m here!
He always stopped by to chat whenever I was working in my yard. He was so excited about how fast the house sold & the upcoming road trip before settling down in Arkansas. Pete will be missed by his friends in Port A!

Donaghey Street a long time ago. Pete lived across the street. He would come over every evening to hold my infant daughter.

When he was first back from Texas, and no one from my wife´s side knew he was, he introduced his self to all of my in-laws as my parole officer.