Paul Hartnett Ed.D.
“If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you’re disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our armed forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.” – Senator John McCain
Paul dedicated his life to service, in education and to community. He grew up the eldest son of Daniel and Pearl Hartnett on the family farm in Hubbard, NE. He is preceded in death by his sisters Mary Maks and Margaret Trysla and brother Jim Hartnett. Paul could have stayed on the farm, but he was inspired to make a difference on other lives through education. He attended Wayne State College where he was a successful middle-weight boxer. In January of 1951, Paul married the love of his life, Marjorie Sheehan (June 2018). The newlyweds returned to Wayne State to finish their education degrees.
Paul began his long-standing career as a classroom teacher and coach, then as an administrator in Brunswick, NE and in Hubbard, NE. In 1958, Paul, Marge, and their four daughters moved to Bellevue where Paul would make a lasting impact on the school district and on the community. While serving as an administrator for the Junior and Senior High, Paul completed his doctorate at UNL, Marge completed her Master’s degree and the family welcomed their only son, Michael.
In 1966 Paul accepted a position at Creighton University where he spent the following 38 years as a professor in Education, mentoring countless future teachers and administrators. While working at Creighton, Paul remained active in Bellevue, serving on the School Board for 18 years. Hoping to make a greater impact, Paul spent the following 20 years as the State Senator for Bellevue. For over 50 years, Paul and Marge were staples at every Bellevue community event, whether for the Volunteer Fire Dept., the downtown parade or the Jaycees fish fry. As their Senator, he was instrumental in expanding the Kennedy Freeway to Bellevue and in the tourism tax authority to benefit all communities. Paul was an active member of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy County for over 10 years.
Paul always had a strong conviction in helping those less fortunate through his service and involvement in countless organizations, such as the Bellevue Housing Authority, Eastern NE Community Action Partnership, St Mary’s College Mothers Living and Learning Program, St Augustine’s in Winnebago, a Scholarship at Creighton for Native Americans and even with weekly food deliveries to homeless shelters. Paul was an active member of his church and for over 60 years has spent Sunday evenings in his hour of perpetual adoration St. Mary’s in Bellevue.
Paul died peacefully at home. He is survived by his five children, Debbie Burchard (Tom, 2017), Cindy Spagnola, Marcy Closner (Rick), Joanie Hartnett, Mike Hartnett (Heidi), nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by wife Marge; parents Daniel and Pearl Hartnett; siblings Mary Maks, Jim Hartnett and Margaret Trysla.
Survived by children Debbie Burchard, Cindy Spagnola, Marcy Closner (Rick), Joanie Hartnett, Michael Hartnett (Heidi); nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Wednesday, July 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m., with Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, July 7, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford Street, Bellevue.
To view video of the Vigil Service, please click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/d-paul-hartnett-ze2ydxj69mmhntdh80zx
To view video of the Mass, please click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/d-paul-hartnett-ynywlewhuehy0avphhfx
Interment: Bellevue Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to St. Mary’s Church, Bellevue, Columban Fathers or College of St. Mary.
13 Comments
Paul was my friend, my colleague and my advisor. He was a gentleman of deep faith and love for his family, his city, his God and his country. He was fun to be around and a great confidant. My condolences to his children. I am sad at this loss but happy for his reunion with our God and Marge..RIP my friend.
Paul dropped kindnesses like Johnny Appleseed, just scattering them everywhere, all the time. It’s hard to imagine anyone who knew him emerging from the experience unimproved. He was just one of life’s angels. RIP.
What a wonderful and truly caring person who did throughout his life what many of us strive to do – help others! I ran across Paul at various times in my life whether at the Legislature, as a community leader, and later on and to my delight, as my neighbor. I am so grateful to have worked with Paul and to have known him. The world is so much better because Paul was in it. He is already truly missed, but he inspired so many of us to make a difference and help others! RIP Paul.
Dr Harriet, as he was always know to me, is remembered as a wise, caring and approachable teacher at Creighton University. After one of his classes and through his mentoring, I became a teacher for 35 years. I believe I was a better teacher because of his instruction .
Over the years we would happen to see each other at various events, and I was always a joy to see his smiling face and respond to his “How are you”?
A good wise man who left a legacy in this students ..
May God welcome him into his new life!
As a long-time Creighton professor, Paul was always friendly and optimistic . When you saw Paul, you saw Marge! They were both diehard Jays fans!! Wishing his family all the graces and blessings that they need as they grieve this difficult loss.
Paul was my favorite uncle. He took me under his wing after my own parents died., alway available for advice or a quick catch up email. I will miss him very very much. Fly high Paul, straight up to Marge and my mom and dad. Gods blessings to the family.
It was a blessing and a joy to have Paul as a friend and colleague for so many years. His cheerful smile and demeanor lit up a day. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
We knew Dr. Hartnett as a professor at Creighton and a Nebraska State Senator. He excelled at both.Many educators have been influenced by his wisdom. As a senator, Paul was always approachable and had unwavering loyalty to his constituents. Both Paul and Marge were strong influences on our respective careers. May you rest in peace, Paul. Glad you and Marge are together.
Paul was our esteemed colleague at Creighton. Chatting with Paul and Marge at St. Benedict’s fish fry was a Lenten pleasure. Paul served the community in humble and gracious ways.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Dad is in ICU awaiting surgery or we’re would have paid our respects in person. We enjoyed the chats whenever we were at the Knights events. I was usually dads plus 1. He always had a smile. I went to school with Joanie. I pray Gods peace and grace for you all as you travel this road.
Dad and I are so very sorry for your loss. We had planned to pay our respects in person, but my dad is in ICU awaiting surgery. We have enjoyed many conversations with Paul at all the Knights events (I was always Dads plus 1).
He always had a smile and he will be dearly missed. I went to high school with Joanie and had Hope to see her, but just know you’re all in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort and peace as you begin the grieving process.
I attended many grieving classes with Paul at St. Wenceslaus Church a few years ago. What a nice man! I could tell right away how much he missed his beloved wife, Marge. Now he is with her again in heaven’s beautiful paradise.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, especially his children who he proudly talked about often. May Paul rest in heavenly peace.
As a professor at Creighton and later as a colleague, Paul was instrumental in my career.. He leaves a long legacy of serving others. . My condolences to his family.
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