Robert John Hartert

Robert John Hartert, age 60, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with his family by his side.

Bob was born in Columbus, Ohio, but was raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He was the eldest son of Karen (Anderson/Hartert) Dryden and the late Richard Hartert. Bob was a 1983 graduate of John Dickinson High School. Following the example set by his parents and three of his four grandparents, he then became a “Golden Gopher” by attending the University of Minnesota. Bob earned degrees in both Chemical Engineering and Biology, along with certification from the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota. A fan of colder weather and all that the Twin Cities had to offer, Bob remained a resident of Minnesota for close to 40 years.

After college, Bob began working at Osmonics in Minnetonka. A short time later, he transitioned to Macy’s (Federated Department Stores, Inc.), building on a part-time position he had held with the company during his years in college. Like his father before him, he was able to couple his engineering background with his interest in technology. This led to a career with Macy’s that would span the Midwest region over the course of more than 30 years.

A lifelong fan of music, Bob played multiple instruments, including the tuba, trombone, and piano. Standing 6’8” and playing the sousaphone, Bob was easy to spot in the marching band both in high school and in college. Post graduation, he continued to perform with the University of Minnesota alumni band. Being a member of the Minnesota Marching Band was a highlight of Bob’s college experience.

Bob’s love of music extended to singing, as well. He was a longtime member of the choir at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. He also spent 25 years performing and competing with the Minneapolis Commodores, an a cappella barbershop men’s chorus.

Throughout his life, Bob explored a variety of hobbies and interests. As a child, he was a Boy Scout and enjoyed camping and canoeing trips with his father and brother. During visits to the East Coast, he frequently joined his mother and stepfather for sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. He explored aviation by creating a home simulator that allowed him to “pilot” flights from the comfort of his home office. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, including visits with extended family in Germany. Bob enjoyed genealogy and spent a great deal of time researching and preserving family history by creating and sharing family trees that extended through generations.

Related to his interest in genealogy, Bob valued family above all else. Time spent in the Poconos, at a lake house in northern Wisconsin, visiting Paynesville, or making countless drives to the east coast were all geared toward time spent with family. He was a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews and enjoyed time spent together during the holidays.

In August 2022, Bob was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) with aphasia. One year later, he sold his home in Minnesota and moved to Maryland in order to be closer to family members. Late in his life, Bob received care from dedicated staff members at a care facility in Maryland.

Bob is survived by his mother, Karen (Anderson/Hartert) Dryden; his brother, David Hartert (Elizabeth); his stepbrother, James Dryden (Marianne); as well as his nieces and nephews, Kinsey, Cole, and Quinton Hartert and Christopher and Stephanie Dryden.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Richard Hartert, and his stepfather, William Dryden, as well as his grandparents, Russell and Rosalind Anderson, and Arthur and Flora Hartert.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, 315 South Main Street, North East, MD 21901, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. A light luncheon will be offered following the service. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Bob's memory to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration or to Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55417.

To offer condolences, visit: https://www.crouchfuneralhome.com/obituaries