by Debbie Burke
Over the weekend, I received a punch-in-the-gut email. Joe Hartlaub, longtime TKZ contributor, had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly during a heart procedure.
Joe had been a beloved member of TKZ’s crew, going way back to 2010. His stories were always witty, wise, and warm. While reading his posts, my computer screen suffered many coffee snorts from his killer sense of humor.
He made fun of himself but not of others.
I hope he’s chuckling at today’s tribute to him because I used both “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”, which came to mind after reading his 2020 post about the sudden, unexpected death of a friend.
Joe wrote about anything and everything and we eagerly read his stories, recollections, observations, and insights. He wrote about:
When his neighbor was murdered.
He wrote about writing, books, movies, and music.
In going back through his posts, I found many first page critiques where his comments clearly but diplomatically explained what the anonymous author needed to do to improve the submission.
One first page critique from 2017 stayed close to my heart cuz it was mine. Joe’s gentle suggestions were mixed with praise that gave me hope my work might someday be published. His encouragement kept me going through many disappointments and setbacks.
Joe said goodbye to TKZ in 2021 with this post and more than a few tears were shed by readers.
This 2020 post is how I want to remember Joe.
RIP, Sweet Joseph.
May your memory be for a blessing, Joe.
Joe will be missed. I learned a lot from his posts, Thank you, Joe.
Thanks for a wonderful tribute, Debbie!
Joe, if you’re reading this from up there, you will be missed!
One of Joe’s many kindnesses was introducing me to you, Steve. He shared good things and good friends with generosity.
Sweet Joseph. Sad to hear the news but Joe always made me smile, especially after spending time with him at a conference. In person, he could’ve been the inspiration to the best anti-hero I could imagine. What a character. Did you know that Joe was usually armed? I found this out after we made it through a security check at a casino. Apparently I looked more like a threat & they focused on my purse, while Sweet Joseph scooted through with a smile. When I picked his brain about New Orleans for a book I was writing, Joe gave me tons of his time, covering anything from the music scene, to best places to eat and the local politics and history. Such a generous and open man. I will miss him.
Jordan, I remember when you wrote about that conference. So funny.
Miss ya at TKZ, old friend.
Thanks for this, Debbie. Joe always made us smile, in both posts and comments. He will be missed.
Requiescat in pace.
Thanks for this post, Debbie, and especially for the links to Joe’s. I didn’t get to read a lot of his, since our TKZ paths didn’t cross.
But reading the posts you linked, I feel like I know him better now.
My condolences to all of you who knew him, and I’m fairly certain he’s not really gone, just traveling. We might wave at him now and again…
🙂
Thank you so much for this tribute to Joe, Debbie. I only knew him through this blog, but he was always kind, witty, and of course, funny, and I counted him as a friend.
He welcomed my comments and welcomed me into the Saturday spot when I took over from Steve, the spot that he had held before Steve.
As you note, he wrote widely here about all sorts of fascinating topics.
I’m considering devoting my next Words of Wisdom to his wisdom on writing (and possibly reading).
I love that idea, Dale.
That’s a wonderful idea, Dale!!!
I like that idea, Mr. Smith!
Wonderful idea, Dale!
Thanks, Debbie! He will be missed. I always looked forward to his posts and his comments on the other posts. Those who knew him personally were blessed!
Beautiful tribute, Debbie. I will always remember Joe’s posts and comments for their humor and kindness. The post about Sadie the dog is a great one to remember him by.
Rest in peace, Joe.
Thank you for this tribute to a truly good and generous man. I so enjoyed our time together. Rest in peace, my friend.
My sympathy to all the members of The Kill Zone Blog for the loss of your friend. Joe’s advice was always clear and consistent, not to mention kind. May all your memories of Joe be fond, may you hear his voice in your ear when you need advice, and may he rest in a heavenly, peaceful writer’s retreat.
Joe is not forgotten here. I remembered his name, and I enjoyed checking out the links. Such good memories. Thanks for providing them, Debbie.
I’m so sorry to hear of this. While I never met Joe personally, I’ve been coming to TKZ for so many years that it’s almost like another family. My heartfelt wishes for comfort for his family & friends.
This news gut-punched me, as well, Debbie. Sweet Joseph and I would laugh so hard on the phone, I cried. And if it weren’t for him, I might never have gotten my rights back for my Mayhem Series. I adored him. What an amazing, caring, funny, personable, and sweet man. The writing community feels a little darker now. 🙁
Justin L. Murphy just sent me (Debbie) the following email to add to Joe’s memorial post.
“Could you please add these comments to the memorial post for Joe Hartlaub on KillZone blog earlier this month? I was late in learning of his passing — only discovering so last night after no email responses in the last couple of weeks.
As writers, Joe Hartlaub and I became close over the years and exchanged many emails. He not only recommended me for a short story contest (which I didn’t win), but was there for me when my grandmother passed several years ago. This is a tough one.
I last received an email from him May 28th, only to discover he died the next day. It’s sad we didn’t get to talk further. In one of our last emails, he discussed learning how to play “When The Saints Go Marching In” on the piano as well as his past playing guitar in local bands. We both mentioned our love for cooking Zatarain’s and his past trips to New Orleans. As well as his love for music from Memphis and Mississippi. He also called me “an observant fellow” and sent me hilarious articles on women getting too close to Bison at Yellowstone, being mauled and trampled as a result.
One of the last things he told me “You and your family have had more than your fair share of challenges, but reading between the lines of your accounts of daily living, I take the sense that you mom is strong, wonderful person and she has two terrific sons. The three of you help and love each other. That is more than many, many people have. Stay the course and thanks for being my friend.” He sent this to me after checking on us and asking “Are you OK?” when a storm hit a nearby area. My response in the subject line was, “For a tender hearted Catholic lawyer who cares”. To clarify, I’m a disabled adult with Cerebral Palsy who helps care for an Autistic adult brother.
He also relayed having chest pains and that his ex-girlfriend was dying from cancer. Joe remained in touch with her, but was having difficulty. As well as having chest pains and would be getting medical exams. Yet was overjoyed over his granddaughter’s graduation. In his couple of emails, he concluded “Love to you and your family” and “Thx Brother”.
I love you too, Joe. Thanks for all you shared with me and I wish you still were here.”