"Jamie, Kelly, Kim and Damian....There are many flowery quotes about grief being the price we pay for love. And many erstwhile sayings about being uplifted during times of sorrow and loss. But knowing Dana, he would say...."I call bull* on all of that"! I'm envisioning that he would want a celebration of his life - a celebration full of recognition of his immense love of his family, his dedication to his friends, his innate pride of this country and his determination to live life on his own terms. And he would want all that knew and loved him to raise a glass and smile at memories while starting stories about him with the phrase "Do you remember the time that Dana....."? The obituary posted is an amazing tribute to a life lived with purpose, filled with success and punctuated with meaningful connections. Truly a life that we can all aspire to live. Knowing your family for most of my life, I had to laugh as I read it because I imagined Dana and his mom (my stepmother Joan) remodeling the beyond...."let's move the pearly gates"- "no problem"! The creativity mother and son shared was admirable. Sadly, when Joan married my Dad, that creative gene did not jump family lines. I still suffer PTSD from hanging wallpaper with Joan in the late 1980's. My father, Bill Beach, loved Dana like a son and he will forever be grateful for Dana's bright light in his life. He admired Dana's love and respect for his family - in particular Dana's love for his mother Joan. Kelly, Kim and Damian...Grandpa Beach loves you so much and has such fond memories of all of you visiting on Marco Island with your Dad. Jamie...Dad loves you and is so happy you were in Dana's life. You provided immeasurable love and companionship to Dana and there is no doubt this was a great comfort to him. Grief is inevitable with any loss. Dana has blessed you with wonderful memories filled with humor and laughter. It is our sincere hope that these memories will help you traverse the coming days. With love and admiration, Bonnie McDaniel and Bill Beach "
In loving memory of
Dana L. Hartsock
July 26, 1949 - November 18, 2021
Dana L. Hartsock of Cumming passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Dana was born on June 26, 1949 in Bryan, Ohio.
His mother, Joan Shankster Beach, and father, Richard Raymond Hartsock, predeceased him.
He is survived by his dearest, Jamie Forest; his children Kelly Moss (Stephen), Kimberly Morani (Brian), and Damian Hartsock (Katie); his grandchildren Jordan, Kristy, Cameron, Sawyer, and Mary Katherine; his brother, Dennis Hartsock; his sister, Julie Young; his step-parents, Bill Beach and Betty Hartsock; and an extensive list of family and close friends.
Dana's early years were filled with endless travels; he first served his country in the U.S. Air Force and then enjoyed a successful technology career spanning three decades with Delta Airlines & Worldspan.
When Dana retired, he continued to produce impressive hand-crafted items from his elaborate woodworking shop. He designed and built a wide array of imaginative solutions, furniture, and personalized gifts. Dana had a God-given ability and technical mind to fix anything. If a tv was broken, a house in need of remodeling, or a person required help to piece together a solution at Home Depot...no problem. He had fun reminding his kids and grandkids that, over the years, he had "engineered" without the help of the internet or information that we have today.
Dana loved his family and friends. Moving to Lake Lanier over twenty-five years ago was his way to continue to open his home to become a never-ending gathering place. Everyone gravitated towards Dana's house for birthdays, social events, and holidays. Known for yearly poker games, days on the lake, and evening boat rides, Dana also felt passionately about the continuation of week-long Shankster Family Reunions that were held across the country and included golf, comedy skits, and games of strategy. He was notoriously gifted at heartfelt toasts that embraced and praised those who enjoyed life with him, and he expressed thanks for his tremendous heritage. In turn, Dana leaves a legacy of ingenuity, hospitality, creativity, humor, and festive gatherings.
The Memorial Service will be held at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia on Friday, December 3. Visitation at 3:00 p.m. will be followed by a Service at 4:00 p.m.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"He was the best neighbor for 22 years. So many great memories! Always the life of the party. Always caring, always sharing. Dana and Jamie were perfect for each other. The parties, games, lake time . . . Anytime was a FUN time at Dana?s. He was so good and sweet to Cody. He was family! His memory will live on in our hearts forever. We miss you, we love you. Jamie, Kellee, Kim, Damian, we are holding you in our hearts and keeping you in our prayers. We will Always be here for you. Mike, Lisa and Cody"
"Dear Hartsock family, We have known Dana since 1992 when his daughter Kelly married our son Stephen. We have also long known several in the Hartsock family who have lived in or visited our area of Georgia. To his children and all of you, please know that we are thinking of you in this time of sadness. May the future years bring happy memories to you and may God bless and strengthen you in the days and years to come. With Love, Richard and Linda Moss, Powder Springs, Georgia "
"Dana was an amazing individual! I knew Dana thru my late husband, Larry Pierce. They worked together at Delta for many years! We had many travel adventures and Dana was the life of the party. He was always there when you needed...fun or work! He will truly be missed!"