Francis and Adeline Hartl were farmers in the Alice, N.D., area for many years, and made provisions to continue to support farming beyond their lifetime.

Francis died in 2001, and Adeline passed away in February 2009. Through a Revocable Trust, Adeline created the Francis and Adeline Trust Fund at the FM Area Foundation. This designated fund provides annual support for Farm Rescue, a unique nonprofit organization that organizes volunteers to plant and harvest crops for family farmers who have suffered a major illness, injury or natural disaster.

Adeline Hartl stated in an interview in 2004, “I want farmers to contribute to North Dakota’s growth in every way possible. I just love the open prairie, our good soil and the bonds people have with that soil.”

Through the generosity of Francis and Adeline Hartl, Farm Rescue has continued to expand its service to Cass County farmers who need assistance planting or harvesting. Their gift, in Adeline’s words, will “cultivate a spirit of generosity and a celebration of farming life.” 

Nearly $140,000 has been awarded to Farm Rescue from the Francis and Adeline Hartl fund since 2010. The Hartl’s legacy lives on as their fund continues to support farmers in Cass County year after year.