William Ralph Hartsock, age 83 of Elwood, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at his residence following an extended illness. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and lifelong community member. He was born August 15, 1943 in Elwood the son of Ralph R. and Ruth E. (McMinn) Hartsock. William graduated from Frankton High School in 1961 and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1970, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his service, he completed two tours of Vietnam, a chapter of his life he carried with honor and quiet strength.

He was married to his Wife Joyce Hartsock, for 59 years, and together they built a strong and loving family. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 5782, maintaining a strong connection to his fellow veterans. Following his military service, William dedicated his working life to his family and career. He retired in 2003 from American Electric Power after 36 years of service, and later retired from Utilix after 7 years. William had a lifelong love of bowling, a passion that brought him great joy and many friendships. In recognition of his dedication and achievements, he was inducted into the Elwood Bowling Hall of Fame in 2005. William Ralph Hartsock will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to country, his strong work ethic, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

William is survived by his wife, Joyce Hartsock of Elwood; four children, Sherri and (John) Fleener of Goshen, Cindy Chandler (Rob Barton) of Elwood, Michelle and (Michael) Hatch of Elwood, and Scott and (Dawn) Hartsock of Tipton, eight grandchildren: Curtis Stout and Krista Hoose of Elwood, Amanda (Ben) Gilliom of Goshen, Samantha Fleener of Middlebury, Jason (Jordan) Chandler of Crawfordsville, Brittany (Garrett) Sapp of Sheridan, Megan (Hayden) Voorhies of Sheridan, Olivia (Tyler) Mast of Ft. Carson, Colorado, and Nathan (Hope) Chandler of Westfield; siblings, Nancy Alvey of Lebanon, Patti Paschall of Elwood, Thomas Hartsock of Oregon; sister-in-law, Fran Luther of Oregon; brother-in-law, Stan Alvey of Elwood; cherished great-grandfather to seventeen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruth Hartsock of Elwood; his brothers, Kenneth Hartsock of Noblesville and Robert Hartsock of Oregon; and his sister, Rebecca Alvey of Elwood.

A funeral service celebrating William’s life and service to his country at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Greg Boyland officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood with military honors by the U.S. Marines and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guards. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.