Robert E. Hartsock , age 84 of Sweet Home, Oregon and formerly a native of Elwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025 surrounded by his family at home after a long, full life.  Born August 4, 1941 in Elwood, Bob was the son of Ralph R. and Ruth E. (McMinn) Hartsock.  He built a distinguished career as a federal public defender for the United States Judiciary in Guam, a role he fully embraced with passion and commitment until his retirement in 2003.  Bob took great satisfaction in his work, always striving for justice with his clients.  Bob graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1959 and Ball State University in 1963.  He then earned his law degree from the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law.  Bob was admitted to the American, Guam, and Hawaii Bar Associations.  He also served as a distinguished special counsel for the Island Country of Palau.

On October 9, 1993, Bob married Frances P. Luther, and together they shared over 32 years of companionship, love, and adventure.  His family was more special than anything in the world to him.
Beyond his career, Bob was dedicated to his community as a member of the Sweet Home United Methodist Church where he volunteered in the community meal program at the church.  He especially enjoyed playing soccer as a younger man and gardening all of his life.  Bob lived his life to the fullest, with a deep appreciation for his work, his family, and his hobbies.  He truly appreciated the scenic views of nature and living in Oregon for many years.  Bob will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and living his life to the fullest.

Bob is survived by his wife, Frances P. Luther of Sweet Home, OR; 7 children, John Hartsock and Ann Hartsock both of Sumner, WA, Kimberly R. Lolmaugh of Farmington, MN, Michael (Jennifer) Hartsock, Totsuma (Julie) Irish, Tobia (Amanda) Irish, and Dylan Irish all of Hawaii; 4 siblings, Bill (Joyce) Hartsock of Elwood, Thomas Hartsock of Sweet Home, OR, Nancy Alvey of Florida, and Patricia Paschall of Elwood; brother-in-law, Stan Alvery of Elwood; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by both his beloved parents; and two siblings, Rebecca Alvey and Ken Hartsock; and a grandson, Robert Joseph Cruz Hartsock.

Following cremation, a life celebration graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Elwood City Cemetery alongside other family members.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Bob's wishes were that any memorial contributions be made to Sweet Home Emergency Ministries through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared with the Hartsock family at copherfeslermay.com.