Ralph John Hartse, a longtime resident of Miles City, passed away on June 22, 2018. Ralph was born on his grandfather’s farm outside Wibaux, MT on June 15, 1924 to Roy Helmer and Marie Ann (Lawrence) Hartse. The family settled in Missoula where his mother died in 1938, and Ralph, along with his brother Russell, were raised by his father who worked as a brakeman on the Northern Pacific Railroad. He graduated in 1942 from Missoula County High School, and enrolled in the University of Montana for two months before entering the Army to join the 549th Army Air Force Band as a clarinetist. He served three years before being honorably discharged and returned to the University of Montana to continue his education on the GI Bill. Ralph graduated with a Bachelors of Music degree in music education with honors in 1948, and he received a Master of Music degree in 1950.
Ralph met his future wife, Norma McKnight Daniels, while attending the University of Montana, and they married on March 7, 1947. They were married 63 years until her death on April 6, 2010. His first job was in Darby, MT where both he and Norma taught music. In 1949 they moved to Miles City where he was employed by Custer County High School (CCHS) as the Director of Bands and a history teacher for over 30 years until his retirement. Norma joined him in the music department in the late 1960’s as Custer’s Choral Director.
The excellence of Ralph’s concert and marching bands was legendary not only in Miles City, but across the state and nationally. His concert bands consistently received Superior ratings in music festivals, and in 1964 his marching band received first place in the Portland Rose Parade. Many student soloists and small ensemble groups received Superior ratings at State Music Festivals. His students were selected following competitive tryouts to play in the All Northwest Bands and Orchestras, and many of his students continued to pursue careers in music education. In 1968 he was chosen for national recognition by The School Musician for the excellence of his work in music education. He also served as the Montana State Chairman of the American School Band Directors Association. Ralph was an accomplished clarinetist and tenor saxophone instrumentalist, and he was chosen to play in the national American School Band Masters Association Band. He and Norma also played in the Winds of Montana for many years. The Pep Band which performed at CCHS basketball games, wrestling matches, and other sporting events was a favorite among local residents and across the state. The Pep Band played twice to enthusiastic crowds at Kiwanis International Conventions in Denver.
Besides his lifelong love of and accomplishments in music, Ralph had many other varied interests including stamp and coin collecting, gardening, model railroading, and history including the Civil War, World War II, and European history. In the late 1970’s he was the only educator in Montana to be chosen as a participant in a several week cultural enrichment program sponsored by Bennington College in New England. In retirement, Ralph continued to pursue his hobbies, and both he and Norma took great joy in spending time with their granddaughters.
Survivors include Ralph’s children Kristyna M. Hartse of El Paso, TX; Marcus (Denise) R Hartse of Miles City; Paula (Roger) A. Hufford of Baker; and Lori L. Hartse of Las Vegas, NM, his brother Russell (Lois) L. Hartse of Missoula, and granddaughters Tiffany (Cole) Feisthamel of Bozeman and Tanis (Doug) Kelleher of Madison WI as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the band program at Custer County District High School at the following address: CCDHS Band Fund, c/o Ralph Hartse, POB 1121, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 29, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 30, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday June 29, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday June 30, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Kay Carlson says
To the Hartse family,
Although I didn’t have Ralph for band, I often spoke to him. We visited about a month ago when I was in Miles City. He was an amazing man who did so much for so many students. He made CCHS proud with his band. I remember listening to them march through the neighborhoods as they practiced. Thank you for the music and the memories, Ralph. You will be missed. Give your sweet wife a hug for me. She has been missed too.
Janet Klein says
Paula and families…your father was such a huge part of my high school days and he brought such wonderful music to all of us!! My condolences to all of you.
Jeanne Dahlin Swick says
Ralph Hartse was one of those teachers who was unforgettable. He taught so much more than music…he taught life lessons. How to be a team member, how to work hard, focus at the task at hand and be proud of your effort at the end, while still having great fun. He showed his kids how hard work paid off; an invaluable lesson that could be applied forever. Mr. Hartse was one of the 2 or 3 most influential people in my life (Harold Boe was another); I’ve never forgotten him or the lessons he taught me as a young adult (CCHS Class of 1963). I have seen and talked to him several times within recent memory, and he still remembered me and even what instrument I played (baritone) and who sat with me in that section (Mel Shields and George Foster). He always said he was from Podunk MT, but his life far exceeded that in his sphere of influence over the years he taught at CCHS. How many batons did he break over his music stand when we didn’t pay attention? How many miles did he run/walk alongside his band while they marched in every parade that ever occurred in Miles City? How many times did he up the tempo of our marching feet and admonish us to get our feet up high at knee level while moving at high speed…and be sure to get those marching lines straight and make precise corners while playing from memory. We practiced during the noon hour, often missing lunch. My mother thought that was awful, but all of us would have marched anywhere for him–and for any length of time. He was inspirational, and I will think of him many times yet before my own life is ended. If only every kid could have had him for a teacher.
Denise Harvey says
Ralph, thank you for giving me the gift of music! It will be eternal!!
May your family be blessed with cherished memories!
Bernie Buelow says
Mr. Hartse was the most talented and inspirational teacher I ever had. Thank you and RIP.
Larry and Val Edwards says
We are so very sorry for your loss Ralph was an awesome teacher. I loved band and all that he taught us.
I remember one time I remember how nervous I was when I tried out for band. I was sure I didn’t make it , but I did and I have learned so much from having him as a teacher. Rip
Debi Rapstad says
Mr. Hartze was an amazing, positive influence on all of his students. I will always remember him with respect and fondness.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To Mr. Hartse’s family, so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great band teacher. Anytime I saw him in the years after, he would instantly say, “Patti Green, alto sax”. When he moved into the room next to my dad at Extended Care, it was great to visit with him again. Once again, I’m sorry for your loss.
Cherie KeBlanc says
A gentle soul in kindness and music, prayers and hugs to the Hartse Family.
Sydney Stabio Carlino says
Sending my love to the Hartse family. Mr. Hartse’s passion for music was inspiring.
Cindy Johnson Stevick says
Mr Hartse was an inspiration to so many young people, whether they were in band or not! He made all of Miles City proud with the amazing band performances. So many fond memories of enjoying the practices as the band marched down many MC streets… spreading the gift of music all around town. I was blessed to be a majorette with the band and remember the high stepping march, especially down Main Street during the Bucking Horse Sale parades. He taught us how to do it “right” and didn’t allow for mediocre to exist! He taught everyone in his presence to be proud and give it their very best! I’m sure there’s more than a few musicians greeting Ralph in heaven, along with his beloved wife! To the Hartse family, how very blessed you have been to have this wonderful man in your life. May beautiful memories carry you through.
Jim and Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Marc, Denise, Paula and Christina, Already there are many wonderful tributes to your dad in this space, and I’ll bet there will be many more. We lived a half block from the high school “bowl” and I heard the practices, the ritual, (the hollering!) every day of band practice, so when I drew Mr. Hartse for a class, I was a little intimidated. Turns out, he was the best teacher that I ever had and his class became my favorite. It was excellent prep for college. Miles City was so proud of the bands. Mr. Hartse made it all possible. God Bless.
Jim & Mary Ann (Stockhill) Liles
Cheryle Korneychuk Angelo says
I’m so sorry for the loss of Ralph! But thank you for sharing him with me (class of 74) and all the other band students. I couldn’t have made it through without him. Someday we’ll all have to share with crazy things he say to get our attention in band when we were goofing off. May God give you all peace and gratitude for having such a wonderful person in your life all these years
Shari Swanson says
As a freshman, entering CCHS in the fall of ’55 I had a dream. I wanted to play the tympani in the worst way. They mesmerized and enchanted me. As Daddy was chairman of the High School Board that year, he set up a time for me to meet Hartse and talk about the tympani. It was a mere two weeks before school began and it was an experience that I return to over and over again. We sat and chatted. I had been playing piano for about eight years and would love to be part of the band. The first question he asked me after introductory remarks was, “Do you have perfect pitch?” I sat there with a vacant look on my face, I know. “Perfect pitch? What’s that?” He said, “Give me a middle C.” “Just hum it, you mean?” He nodded. So I sat there wondering where in the world middle C might be inside my head and made a frantic stab at it. He smiled his tolerant ‘put upon’ smile and told me I was nowhere close, then proceeded to tell me that those who played the kettle drums needed perfect pitch as they had to be constantly tuning and re-tuning the instrument, even during play. He then told me he needed a bassoon player. Did I know what a bassoon was? As it happened I had a vague idea not too far off the grid. He went into the instrument room and brought back this rather large case, opened it up and there was this beautiful shining disassembled wooden instrument. He taught me how to put it together, after giving me a double reed to put in my mouth and soften so I could ‘tweet’ it. The first thing you do. Soften that double reed so it was flexible enough for the ’embouchure’ and the notes would be clear. He gave me my first bassoon lesson. I was in the band. Bassoonist-to-be. There was nothing better than being in Hartse’s band. The musical education we got from him was excellent — and fun! Just ask any of his students. Oddly enough, on Friday I was replaying old Hartse band stories all day long in my mind. There are plenty of days like that, but that it should have been Friday, June 22 2018 is freaky. The rapport and respect between Ralph Hartse and his students was incredible — and everlasting. I wonder how many of us got the vibe on Friday without realizing what it was. The strength of his wise and caring (and so often wonderfully funny) personality reached deep into many of us. He left his mark on all of us. I am so sorry and heartbroken to get this news. I cannot imagine what the world will do without him.
Wendy Wilson says
Ralph Hartse was one of a kind. My love of concert band music comes directly from my experiences with Mr. Hartse my Sophomore year (and the last year he taught band). I will forever be grateful to him for his dedication to excellence. Thank you Mr. Hartse!!
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
To the Hartse kids, Your Dad and Mom were both so blessed musically. They had such an influence on many students. Will keep you all in our prayers.
Sharon Bixler Oftedal says
Ralph Hartse was an educator in every sense of the word. When my husband was in Jr. High he broke both legs, and on his first day back at school he rebroke one of them. This break had even more complications than the first ones, due to an incurable bone infection. Bill spent months in bed in a body cast–he missed one year of school and it was beginning to look like he’d miss another one. That’s when Mr. Hartse stepped up. Somehow, along with band, pep band, history classes and a family, he found the time to go to the Oftedal home several times a week and tutor Bill in history. We owe him (and his family) a huge debt of gratitude. He was an extraordinary band instructor and so much more ! Miles City has lost one of its finest, but he’ll be remembered for years to come.
Allen Slater (class of 74) says
I was so fortunate to have Ralph Hartse as my high school band director. I learned so much from Home and in turn passed on lots to my band students during my teaching career. I think the saying that stuck with me the most was “That was good, now let’s see if we can make it better.” He had such great expectations of all of us and yet cared deeply for us all. A true giant in the music community and he will be missed.
Grant Mosby says
One fine and incredible man.
I was in the high school band the first year Mr. Hartse took over.
The introduction was him stepping up on the podium and asking
what we were playing. So, he said, get it out, we will start there.
I forget the song, but it consisted of whole and half notes, and we
considered it a challenge. His baton came up, then down and we
“played” the first note.
His baton did not come up for the second note.
Which was quite understandable.
Where he took the Custer county High school band from there,
as anyone from Miles City and a large surrounding area is
legendary.
I thought the world of him, and always will.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hartse family. I had Mrs for music. Both were great teachers and great inspiration. May our Heavenly Father comfort you give peace
Jim & Lavina Hall says
Ralph was a great teacher, a fabulous bandmaster and a wonderful friend.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
To the Hartse family — so sorry to hear about your Dad — he was a very special person — keep your wonderful memories close as we are sure that there are many! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Karen & Jobie Morris says
Like so many others, I have priceless memories of Mr. Hartse and band. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to chat with him at the post office and then at Extended Care in recent years. I will always smile when I think about him carefully studying the latest Jobie card and pronouncing that it was a nice photo and Jobie was really cute! I missed seeing him when I was at Ex Care yesterday handing out cards and visiting with the residents. Mr. Hartse will live on forever in so many hearts and memories. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and comfort you with your memories.
Dennis Harlowe says
I remember him vividly and like so many of us I will miss him very much. Mr. Hartse was an outstanding teacher and a wonderful friend. What he could do with a no-talent trumpet player was remarkable. He even found time to beat me in chess. Soundly. Dennis Harlowe, Class of 1959
Jack D. Cloud says
Such wonderful tributes for, and memories of, Mr. Hartse by others above! He certainly was the most influential teacher I have ever had in many, many years of schooling. I have thought of Mr. Hartse so often since I graduated in 1964 as the next to last chair trombone player – and he is the subject of many inspirational and hilarious stories that are in my repertoire. Whenever I come back home or attend a class reunion the conversation inevitably turns to Mr. Hartse – everyone has such deep respect and admiration for him. I suppose he is in heaven now probably telling his musicians not to wear white socks with their Pep Band uniforms, not to forget their trombone when they travel to basketball games in Glendive, and for Pete’s sake to start playing when the baton comes down. Most importantly I am sure he is still inspiring others and teaching life lessons as he did so well down here on earth. Such a great man – the world was indeed a better place with Mr. Hartse in it.
Mark Browning says
In reading these testimonials, those of us fortunate enough to be his former students are reminded of his gift for sharing knowledge and his passion for it. We are all richer for it. Thank you.
Lana Rae says
Although I didn’t have Mr. Hartse for class, my sister did. Over the years she and I would watch the same programs that had bands on them. We would call each other and say, “Hartse would never stand for that.” Off key, out of step, and dull shoes. I ran into Mr. Hartse last year when I was back in Miles CIty and had a wonderful conversation with him. He still remembered all the kids he worked with and he was certainly a part of the fabric of MIles City. Rest in peace Mr. Hartse, or start a band with all the angels.
Bruce Wilson says
I echo all the above posts, Mr. Hartse is truly an unforgettable man . As so many post above reflect, he was the only instructor I ever had in high school or college that taught me valuable life lessons.
I wished I had a nickel for every time he use the word “ stumble bums”
There was only one way to do things, and that was the Hartse way, and that met the right way !
He was the only instructor we had in high school that was comfortable and letting the students call him by his last name or an abbreviated version is such as Harts.
How about that Grand sweepstakes award at the Portland Rose Festival, we kicked every band in the Northwest region in the ass including those from Spokane, Seattle, and Portland ! And the greatest pep bands ever back in those days, how about that trip to Denver we made ?
Who remembers the piece we played at the music festival in 1964?
Crown Imperial , it was written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth .
RIP Hartz!
Cathy Cloud Durst says
So many great memories of this man! I happened to be spending this last weekend with my best friends from high school (class of 1972) when we heard the sad news of Mr. Hartse’s passing. We shared wonderful stories of what it meant to each of us to be part of the band and pep band. I played flute in the very front row, inches from that famous baton. I have loved reading the tributes here – and love being reminded of so many “Hartse-isms”.
A most vivid memory of a Hartse life lesson was at music festival when we somehow lost our place in the music. Mr. Hartse stopped us, calmly told us what measure we would start at and commenced directing. I’m sure every one of us shared a moment of sheer panic. Of myriad thoughts one of the most profound was probably – are we going to be the first CCHS band to not get a Superior rating??? Not to fear, we had been taught well. His calm demeanor at that moment spoke volumes. We did get a Superior rating, along with a note from the adjudicator of how well we handled our mishap. Thank you, Mr. Hartse, for teaching us yet another valuable life lesson!
Sincere sympathy to the Hartse family. Thank you for sharing your dad with so many of us.
Doug Benge says
Lucy and I send our condolences to all of the Hartse family, and echo all of the memory contributors. We all have great memories and stories of our experience. The foremost theme of all though was the pride instilled in us. He set the bar high, and expected, maybe demanded, that we achieve it, something none of his successors even came close to accomplishing. He worked hard, hours of rehearsals, individual lessons, squeezing 4th period and noon hour into a 1 1/2 hr. practice at the football field. Every performance was equally important: concert band (technical skills), marching band (sound and precision-“quite sucking on those horns, start blowing into them with authority”, “lift those legs”, “guide right”), pep band (showtime). I’m quite sure we played a part in the opposition meeting its Waterloo when we rattled it off with 60 seconds remaining on the pregame clock, finishing just as the buzzer sounded, and then playing a mini concert after a tournament game when an audience would gather. It was cool to be in the band, just as much acclaim as being in athletics. We are better persons for knowing the maestro, and for his tutelage. Best wishes to all the family.
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. What an impact Mr Hartse made on so many lives. That is an amazing legacy!
Garth Sleight says
Years ago the Miles City Community Orchestra prevailed upon Ralph to be its conductor. Some of the members of the orchestra met the news with trepidation because of his apparent reputation as being a stern taskmaster. To the contrary, my wife had the time of her life to be playing for someone who took music seriously and expected the musicians under the direction of his baton to do likewise. Her musical experience with Ralph was rivaled only by her experience of being tutored, mentored, and inspired by her dear friend, the late Glenna James. My wife developed a very warm rapport with Ralph because she saw in him a kindred spirit: one who believed that if you were going to do something, either do it as well as you possibly can, or don’t do it at all.
Our condolences go the the Hartse family. Ralph was a great blessing in the lives of so many people!
Susan Sanderson says
My sympathies to Hartse family. Mr. Hartse expected the best from us and gave us the time and the guidance to accomplish what he expected. Sometimes I think it surprised him. I loved his sense of humor. His dry wit, his sayings. I can’t count how many times he would say “Im beating this to a bloody stump and you still aren’t in time”. Band was never a class to skip…I looked forward to it everyday. It was very cool to be in Hartse’ band, but especially Pep Band. He made us better students and people. In his mind and in ours, we were just as important as any of the sports teams at CCDHS.
After reading all of the memories above, the common thread through all of them is he cared about all of us. His presence and gifts will be missed. Thank you for all you did for this community and its students. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us. Your legacy lives on in all of the many students who were touched by you. R.I.P. Mr. Hartse. I will miss you forever.
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Paula, So sorry for you and what you are going through. You did an awesome job being his daughter. He will be missed.
Richard Albrecht '58 says
About two weeks ago I thought about Hartse and wondered how he was doing. I rarely make it back to Miles City and hadn’t seen him since 2011 or 2012. We both wandered into McDonald’s at that same time and it was a fun 45 minute lunch.
Everyone has caught the essence of Hartse in their tributes. My favorite Hartse-ism was “Your other left!” when trying to teach someone how to march. He did love having a good time as long as people were working and not goofing off.
I think we are all better off for having played for, learned from, and associated with him through high school. His family was even better off – they had Ralph and Norma for parents!
God’s Blessings as you mourn the passing of your father. Remember the good times which I’m sure were many.
Truman O'Brien - '64 says
Everyone has said it all. I just consider myself so incredibly lucky to have played in band during those years mentioned in Hartse’s obit. The Rose Parade in Portland and the Trip to Denver to play for Kiwanis International. We were all amazed with we arrived at the Brown Palace in Denver and found the meeting we were to play before was in a tiny room. Hartse just had us all set up on the central staircase and begin playing. The sound was great in that large open staircase that went up many floors. People poured out of their rooms and began dancing on all of the floors. We were really flying high! Oh, and playing before the general assembly (10,000 people?) – we were supposed to play for 15 min before the business meeting. They asked us to stay – we played for two hours(?) Fifteen minutes at a time while they voted. What a heady experience. Thank you Mr Hartse for all that you did for all of us. Love to his family.
Gene Fougner says
The reason I loved high school… Hartse’s bands. He scared me at first, about as much as his legend before him. He recruited me from 8th grade to learn Bassoon over the summer which served me well in college and beyond. He taught me Scotch drumming with tenor drum marching. He allowed me to learn Oboe in the side and then soprano sax. What a rich experience. Ever since I have been teaching piano, voice, and percussion in some way without a music degree. Currently I am enjoying directing a vocal choir and two bell choirs, often writing music for both. How did he inspire so much music in so many? How did he do so much counseling over the chessboard and free lessons? Love, self-sacrifice and hard work…a few reasons. Mr. Hartse comes to mind almost daily for me!
John & Raelee Hollowell and family says
What an amazing man… It’s more a celebration of his long incredible life! Although, it’s never easy…prayers for comfort during this tough time… much love!
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hartse Family.
Kolleen Waldo Forsyth says
Such GR& tributes have been written for Mr Hartse!! Loved reading and reflecting. He made band so much fun and instilled a love for it in each of his students. It makes me smile today, to think back on some of his famous phrases: “Tubas & Baritones, you sound like B-52’s flying over!” One student complained because they wanted to wear their white socks with their band uniform. Hartse’s response? “Sure you can wear your white socks… just put black ones on over the top!” ? We enjoyed the marching formations that we practiced and practiced. I doubt those intricate designs were ever fully seen because MC football bleachers weren’t high enough to view it correctly. Oh well. WE knew it was right! To this day, our entire family carries on the love for band. RIP Hartse, and thanks! You’ll be missed but the legacy lives on. Look how many band directors came from your influence!! GO BAND!
Dean Holmes says
What a great man. Thank you to Ralph for giving the love of music to my children.
Patricia George Almy class of '74 says
“You can call me Mr. Hartse, Hartse or Harts. But never call me Ralph.” I can still see him with arched eyebrows and direct eyes looking at the guys ( I won’t disclose) he was talking to. They were howling with laughter because it had been a bantering session and that was the final say. I was one of his peg legged centipedes (drummer) who went on to play the tympani. He paid me the highest compliment when he suggested that I continue to study music at college and even try out for the Billings symphony. Even though my life didn’t take that route, I was always thankful for the safe environment of his classroom, his expectations of excellence, his humor, and yes….his compassion. While he didn’t suffer fools, he did know when you really were trying your best. He didn’t ask more of you than he knew that you could accomplish with hard work. Being part of such quality performing groups (band and pep band) most assuredly made my highschool years “good”, even though at that age things don’t always seem so good. I struggled to not break down and cry during the last walk with the tympani from the gymnasium because I knew an incredible chapter in my life had just closed. During one last marching band practice for the BHS parade during my senior year I heard the words on the bullhorn ” we’ll do it one more time for George.” I smiled and wore it like a badge of honor. I’m so sorry for the Hartse family in your loss. We always wish we could do it just one more time.
Jackie Stroh says
Condolences to the family. I help take care of your father at residential living and I thoroughly enjoyed him and I liked our visits while caring for him and he will be sorely missed by his family at residential living. I know how much he loved his chocolate as well! Rest in peace Ralph!
Jan Goss - Class of '64 says
All I can say is Ditto to all the wonderful comments everyone has made about Hartse! He truly was one of a kind; and in those days, we all were especially proud to be in his band! It was quite an accomplishment. I originally played Clarinet but he needed an Oboe player, so I became on Oboe player (albeit one who was always “sharp”; he kept telling me Oboe plays were notoriously “flat”!) I doubt if I could even get a squawk out of the Oboe these days, but if I did, I am sure it would be sharp! RIP Hartse! You deserve it.
Rob Shipley says
Ralph Hartse taught me World History when I was a sophomore at Custer in ’62-’63. He more than any other person saving my dad, taught me no one can ever trust government. My wonderful mother, Mary Shipley, taught at SHHS and CCHS and while she was never into music in any way and never forced me to learn how to play any instruments other than the piano, absolutely ADORED Ralph Hartse because he was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dedicated in everything he ever did.
The contributions of these two (2) wonderful people, Mr. and Mrs. Hartse, to all of eastern Montana will remain exemplary for centuries.
Terry Annalora says
REST IN PEACE, Mr. Hartse!
Ralph Hartse was my mentor, colleague, and supporter. He and Norma could always be found at my many concerts, especially when his granddaughters were students of mine. I was a student teacher with Mr. Hartse in 1976. The valuable lessons I learned from Ralph were far too numerous to mention. But, he did instill in me a work ethic that, for decades, I tried to instill in my Choral Students over the next 40 years. The most enduring and valued wisdom I gleaned from Mr. Hartse was something he told me when I student-taught under him. He said: “There are many, many, good music directors in Montana and the Northwest. What separates the good programs from the great ones is the amount of time the Director spends with each student, honing their skills, and making them believe they can succeed”.
I took this suggestion and tried to instill it in every student I worked with. The people who are the best in their field may not be the most talented, but they ARE the ones who have worked the hardest.
What a great legacy to leave the community of Miles City and the thousands of students he touched.
It will be hard to imagine another Ralph Hartse ever coming our way again.
Rest in Peace, my friend!
Terry Annalora
Jim Thompson says
Uncle Ralph was the most precious asset Miles City and Custer County High School will ever enjoy. A true professional in every way. He demanded our dedication and hard work to bring the community the greatest marching band, pep band and concert band that most likely will ever grace the halls of CCHS and the memories of each and every person that was ever a member of those groups or was lucky enough to know and learn from this LEGEND of a teacher, mentor and friend. Most of us who were taught by this gentleman remember vividly the practices in the bowl, summer band and the band room chess games during basketball games. I am sure that most of us have many, many favorite stories of all the pranks, smoking in the back room and that tiny little car that Uncle Ralph drove (that ended up in the tennis court or on top of some cement pillar somewhere). It was a wonderful time in history to enjoy all the experiences of life and “Uncle Ralph” made it very, very special in the little “Cow Capitol of the World”. I will ever be indebted to this man who gave his all to insure we would never be anything but the greatest high school band in the state during his tenure. Everyone has said it all again and again and I echo those remarks and tributes to this great man. My condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Judy Richardson Bovee says
As I look back over my many years of education, the teacher who had the most influence on my life was Mr. Hartse. I spent many valuable hours in private lessons with him. He instilled in me the importance of hard work and diligence with his instruction of practice, practice, practice.
In one of my many conversations with Mr. Hartse in later years, I told him, “Mr. Hartse, I think the most important thing I gained from our time together is that I found something that I truly excelled in doing. The best compliment I received from him was when he told me that in all his years of teaching he only had two real oboe players, me and his daughter Chris. Of course I wasn’t told this until I had been out of high school for 20 years.
Rest In Peace Mr. Hartse. I hope you are listening to the haunting oboe solo from Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.
Rick Dent says
Dear Hartse family, It is truly fitting that your dad is getting all these accolades, especially from former students. He affected so many of their lives, especially mine. I told him in 2009 that Hollywood had made a biopic of his life but had changed the title to read “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” I was fortunate enough to be in the band that won the Portland Rose Parade. He also wrote a pep band solo just for me. He was special.
Tom Clarke says
Great comments about Mr. Hartse. I called him Ralph in more recent years, and got away with it. At least he let me think it was OK. I played trombone in concert band and pep band from ’55 to graduation in ’59. Ralph demanded excellence and I am so pleased today that he did. Others have talked about playing after games; well I remember a time we were in Billings for the State basketball tournament. Stayed at the Overpass Motel, and the tournament was at the Shrine auditorium. The Cowboys qualified for the Consolation Championship (3rd/4th game) so we played before and during the game. Now we played rock & roll music of the era. Rock Around the Clock, and Hound Dog, and who can forget Dennis Harlowe’s solo in Muskrat Ramble. With the Championship game to follow, we put our horns away and let the schools playing in the Championship game show off. But after the Championship game, someone went by Ralph and said, “why don’t you play some more”. He turned to us all sitting in the bleachers and said, “Get your horns out”. We did, and we played for at least another hour as the Shrine gym floor turned into a dance hall, with people applauding after each song, and asking for another. We were good. No, I mean we were really good. And it was all because of Ralph Hartse. And one departing memory! Anyone remember Ralph’s Crosley?
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences to all of Ralph’s family. He will be missed by many!
Kristyna Hartse says
I have often wondered whether the many long hours of concert and pep band practice, the many private lessons, the noon hours marching in the heat on the football field, the admonishments to be better, work harder, and practice more would be remembered. The comments of everyone here make me certain that in fact, yes, he had a profound and life long impact on the lives of his students. Thank you all for sharing your respect of, affection for, and memories of my dad. You reassure us that he is valued and well remembered. The world is a dimmer, less creative place with his absence, and our entire family will feel the tremendous impact of his loss for the rest of our lives. However, if he were to give us advice during this sad and empty time, I can imagine him saying “Quit blubbering…..It won’t change a thing.” “Pick up those clod hoppers and MARCH……and quit sucking on those horns and PLAY.” “We are the mighty Custer Band.” And my own personal favorite “Oboes….. you sound like a berserk bagpipe.” But most of all he would tell us a favorite of our family’s “Fight the good fight”. He fought the good fight to the very end with grace, dignity, intelligence, humanity, and courage of almost incomprehensible immensity. We will go on fighting the good fight because he made us strong by his example. I love you my little faz with your blue eyes and rosy cheeks, and there will always be that hole in my heart. Thank you everyone for remembering.
Delva Johnson says
Sending deepest condolences in the loss of your father. He was He was a very important member of the community, & will be missed by all.
Teresa Geib Bacon says
Mr. Hartse was such an important piece of Miles City, he was a Legend. I was in HS in the 60s and well remember the Band and the Twirlers. My Prayers and Condolences to the Family and Friends.
Marc Hartse says
I’d like to thank everyone for all the kind comments made about dad. He expected great things out of everyone and seemed to be able to draw that out. It’s a tribute to him that all the kind words have been written and that he still touches so many individuals’ lives. He was hard on everyone to get the best out them but he was always the hardest on himself. The long, long hours he spent working that nobody ever knew about. Hand writing so many arrangements for the Pep Band, especially when one considers how many instruments were playing. He also wrote the solos that so many in the audience enjoyed and that gave the players a chance to shine and stand in the spotlight. I know I’m biased, but individuals like him are few and far between. My mother’s favorite line from him (which would send her into convulsions of laughter whenever it came up in conversation) was “Next time, use both lips.” He and I played many, many chess games and I know I’ll miss that for the rest of my life. Once again, thank you all very much.
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our thoughts and prayers are with loved ones at this time of loss. God Bless.
Gary Worrall says
I can only echo everything already said about Mr. Hartse. I played in the concert, marching and pep bands, as well as various pit bands for school plays 1959 – 1962. He is a legend and I will never forget him. What a great man and distinguished career!! RIP
Christine Barker Anderson says
Mr. Hartse was one of my very favorite teachers. His influence gave me focus and amazing friends during that crazy time called high school! He was an incredible teacher and worked so hard to bring out the best in his students. I am praying for comfort for his family and friends as you continue to reflect on Mr. Hartse’s life and his legacy that lives on!!!
Joe Handley Sr. says
I played in the CCHS High School band and pep band from 1955 thru 1959. I enjoyed the many outings as we sometimes traveled with the basketball team. I was one of rowdy band members when we would travel. Hartse would sometimes come to our rooms to quiet us. I am trying to see the honorary celebration they are having at Montana State(5-4-22). Thank you Ralph!!!