Dennis Hartweg

[68TopStock]

At the sYc show in 2001 when the Gibb dealership was the featured dealership, I first met Dennis and spoke with him at length, since we have become fast friends. He walked up to me and said "I know that is "Little Hoss" because I remember when my father cut the hole in the firewall for the plenum aircleaner assembly. I told him it looked ugly, and asked why he cut the hole. My dad laughed, picked up the plenum, put it on the firewall and said, "there, doesn't that look better now?". He thanked me for not restoring the firewall, and for leaving the gaping hole there.

I thought I had a passion for the Gibb cars, however, what I have seen Dennis accomplish, with his sincere desire to preserve the heritage of this great dealership just humbled myself. I will remember him forever. I am just thankful he got to go on the cruise last fall with me. He told me he hadn't been in "Little Hoss" since 1968, and then only in the back seat. I even got to show him a launch. He loved that car. I only wish I would have let him drive it then. That was going to happen this year.

Goodbye Dennis [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[sYc]

Dennis L. Hartweg
December 21, 1954 - January 31, 2003

Birthplace: LaHarpe, Illinois
Resided In: Springfield Illinois
Visitation: February 05, 2003
Service: February 05, 2003








Dennis L. Hartweg, 48, of Pleasant Plains, formerly of Peoria, died at 8:04 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2003 at Freeman West Hospital ER in Joplin, MO.

Dennis was born December 21, 1954 in LaHarpe, IL, the son of Charles and Betty Long Hartweg. He married Ann Raudenbush September 7, 1985 in Peoria, IL.

Mr. Hartweg was employed by Penske Logistics for seven years and was currently a Regional Safety Manager. Annually he participated in the Fred Gibb Memorial Car Show. He collected classic cars, loved animals and enjoyed sailing.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife, Ann of Pleasant Plains; mother: Betty (husband, William) Dunkin of Peoria; one sister: Deb (husband, Mike) Shoultz of Peoria; stepmother: Paula Hartweg of Peoria; two nieces and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 5-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003. Funeral Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Scott Brindley officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, Waggin Tails, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or American Diabetes Association, Always & Forever Memorial & Honor Program, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

The family of Dennis L. Hartweg is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

[sYc]

As we reflect back on the goods times we had with Dennis, and think about the void that his passing has left in our lives and our hobby, remember this, Dennis is now in the company of his heros, his father and Fred Gibb. I would say by now that Dennis has questioned both of them at length about the Gibb dealership, the different Gibb race cars and COPO cars. I am sure both of them are telling Dennis how proud they are of him for his efforts in preserving the Gibb legacy while here on earth. Heck, by now, I would bet he has even looked up Don Yenko, Dickie Harrell and the Stephani brothers.

Dennis will be missed, but not forgotten.

[hvychev]

Wow, what nice comments that have been made about Dennis. I really had no idea that he had a family tie into the Gibb dealership. I to think that his car as a featured supercar would be the a great tribute to him as well.

[Chevy454]

The feature car idea sounds good, except for one problem: we don't have any pictures! I know there are some from Vettefest around here somewhere, but does any else have any good pictures of any of his cars?

[SS427]

Rob,
I took several at VetteFest '02. I will look tonight and see if any are of feature quality. The reason I say that is most pictures I take are for documentational or close ups of inspection marks, etc. I know I have several good shots of the engine and interior. I believe I did take one or two of the whole car and quite possibly with Dennis in the background. I will send them to you via PM and you can decide.

Hopefully someone here will take over where Dennis left off regarding the Harrell/Gibb research.
Rick

[JoeC]

There are some pictures from the show on the Fred Gibb site

http://www.fredgibb.com/

[Jeff Murphy]

Rob,

Check the reunion CD I sent you. I think there are a bunch!!! I probably cataloged them under LeMans ZL1 or something like that. I'd look myself but I'm in Spain and don't have a copy of the CD with me.

[svanslyke]

I have pictures of #15 gibb nova @ his #49 ZL1
I would be happy to send to you

[Chevy454]

February 2003 Feature Page