Mr Paul J. Hartje, 58, of Northwestern, NY went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 25th at the Rome Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. Paul was born in Rockford, IL on October 2nd, 1949. He was the first born out of 6 children. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 20 years. During his time stationed in Duluth, MN he met his wife, Mary Handberg. They were happily married for 31 years and produced four children. Paul was faithful to God and brought up his children in and for the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his one son, Augustus N. Hartje, of Rome, and his three daughters: Rita G. Hartje, of Baltimore, MD, Gwenivere L.C. Hartje, of Baltimore, MD, and daughter & son-in-law, Zoe A. and Jamison S. Gilbert of Floyd, NY; and one grand-son, Adam P. Gilbert, of Floyd, NY. Also surviving are his brother, David Hartje, of Minnetrista, MN, and his four sisters: Joy Hartje, of Rockford, IL, Jerri Blackman, of Suprise, AZ, Jean Fergasson, of Rockford, IL, and Judy Goelitz, of Monroe Center, IL. He is predeceased by his parents, Earl and Merita Hartje, of Rockford, IL. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 29th at Greater Grace church, 506 W. Dominick St, Rome at 4:30pm. There will be no calling hours. Family and friends may send flowers or cards to Mary Hartje, 8001 Tannery Rd. Westernville, NY 13486. The family wishes to thank the ER, 2North, and ICU staff at the Rome Memorial Hospital. Also, special thanks to Dr. Kadura for your kindness & compassion, as well as all involved in the Westernville community and ambulance care. 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Our Heavenly Dwelling "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."