It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Paul Hartung, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, who died on August 19, 2025, at the age of 82.

Michael was born on April 10, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Halstead Hartung and Gail Maxine "Max" (Gifford) Hartung. A proud fourth-generation graduate of East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, he went on to earn a degree in architecture from Iowa State University. While still in college, he designed and built his first home in Ankeny, Iowa—an early glimpse of the lifelong passion that would define him.

After graduation, Michael moved to Denver, Colorado, where he met and married the mother of his three children. They exchanged vows on the foundation of the house he designed and built atop Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado—a home that went on to win an award from Wood Inc. for "Citation for Excellent for Designing with Wood in a Distinctive and Creative Manner" and was featured on the cover of a magazine.

In 1984, shortly after the birth of twins, the family relocated to San Diego, California. There, Michael worked as an architect while lovingly redesigned and restored a historic 1927 English Tudor home. A decade later, he returned to his roots, moving to the family's beloved lake home on Big Trout Lake in Crosslake, Minnesota. Having spent his childhood there sailing and skiing, Michael poured his talent into remodeling the family cabin for his retired parents and the growing Hartung family. He continued to design and build homes throughout Crow Wing County, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful craftsmanship. He and his partner, Nancy Rierson, built two homes in the on Lower Hay Lake and Trout Lake, respectively, and then later, he and his wife, Frances Wornson built a beautiful home on Little Pine Lake.

Michael was a gifted architect, carpenter, sailor, dog lover, and an unwavering perfectionist. He collected boats and cars with the same enthusiasm he had for designing houses, each project meticulously crafted—often overbuilt—with care and pride. Generous with his time and expertise (whether asked for or not), he taught his children the value of building and creating with their own hands. His tender heart showed most clearly with his dogs, whom he spoiled endlessly—from the bulldogs of his younger adult years to his most recent companions, Molly and Maizy.

Michael will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to know and love him. He is survived by his three children, Michael (Kristin) Hartung, Matthew (Shawn) Hartung, and Elizabeth (Nicholas) Miller; his grandchildren Johnathan, Jamison, Julienne, Annabell, Ellie, and Micah; his brother John (Joan) Hartung; and nieces and nephews Jill Hartung, John (Melissa) Hartung, and Jeff (Pamela) Hartung. He also leaves behind great-nieces and nephews Kameron (Paige), Kade, Kye, John, Blake, Brooke, and Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Wornson (August 17, 2025); the mother of his children, Nola Dillingham (2022); Nancy Rierson (2000); and his parents, John (2003) and Max (2007).

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 27, 2025 at their family home. The family invites friends and loved ones to join in honoring Michael's memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Knutson (a camp serving children and adults with special needs on Trout Lake) or The Babinski Foundation (an animal rescue in Pequot Lakes) in memory of Michael P. Hartung.