Albert Hartl
Albert Hartl, Otter Tail Power Company's fourth president, was born on October 21, 1911, on a farm near Bremen, North Dakota.
In 1932 he graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in commerce. After graduation he was employed by the State of North Dakota in Bismarck. There he became head of the State Income Tax Division and later chief accountant for the Public Service Commission.
Hartl was a reserve officer in the United States Army, called to active duty in 1941 to serve with the 7th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was featured in an article in the November 1943 Readers Digest on the invasion of Attu in the Aleutian Islands on May 11 of that year. By the end of the war he was a colonel commanding a regiment. His service record was outstanding. He won two silver stars and two bronze stars for heroism and one bronze star for merit.
In 1946 Hartl joined Otter Tail Power Company. He started as the comptroller, advancing to secretary and treasurer, vice president and treasurer, executive vice president, and in April 1961, succeeding Cyrus Wright as president of the company. In 1975 he was elected chairman of the board. He retired as president in 1976 but continued as chairman until 1982.
Hartl is best remembered for his organizational skills, which reflected his military experience, and for bringing professional management to Otter Tail Power Company. Under his guidance the company operated like a well-oiled machine.
He encouraged company employees to become active in community organizations and he set a good example. One organization that benefited from his dedication and support was the Boy Scouts of America. He was active in Boys Scouts for 60 years at various levels. He was president of the Red River Valley Council, and he received the coveted silver beaver, silver buffalo, and silver antelope awards for his many years of leadership and service.
Hartl was also an active member and leader in the Knights of Columbus. He organized a new council in Fergus Falls where he served as Charter Grand Knight. He later became district deputy and served as an officer of the state council for two years. His most cherished rewards were those given for his work in his church. During his years in Fergus Falls, the St. Cloud Diocese presented him with the prestigious St. George, St. Gregory, and Legion of Merit awards.
Outside of the community Hartl served on the board of regents for the University of Minnesota, the University of St. Johns, and the University of Mary in Bismarck. He was also on the board of overseers for Jamestown College.
Albert Hartl died on January 9, 1995, in Bismarck at the age of 83.
Written by Myron Broschat, Otter Tail Power Company retiree
References: The Power People by Ralph Johnson, Otter Tail County Historical Museum
