Robert Hartman

Obituary of Robert E. Hartman Hancock/East Tawas, MIRobert Earl Hartman died peacefully of natural causes on July 4th, 2016 at the age of 91. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Bob was born March 26, 1925 in Standish, Michigan the seventh child of Rudolph (Ralph) Hartman and Barbara Nigl Hartman. Bob graduated from Standish High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his time in the service, he was promoted to the rank of Staff sergeant in the Medical Corps. He served in Japan as part of the U.S. Occupation Forces and was honorably discharged in December, 1946. Upon returning home following his military service, Bob met his future wife, Carolyn Hagberg, who was a Registered Nurse working at the hospital in Standish. They were married on November 1, 1947 in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Bob is survived by his four children: Christine Long of Nesbit, MS; Richard (Lynn) Hartman of Claremont, CA; Ruth Ann (Stephen) Smith of Hancock, MI and John Hartman of Nesbit, MS. He is also survived by five grand-children: Taite (Alexia) Smith of Lakeville, MN; Christine Hartman of Atlanta, GA; Andrew Long of Nesbit, MS; Jeffrey Hartman of Fort Worth, TX and Carlen Smith of Burlington, VT.Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Barbara Hartman, his wife Carolyn, three sisters; Florence Dinninger; Clara Long; Helen Nieman and five brothers; Victor, Raymond, Leslie, Russell and Randall. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.Mr. Hartman retired from the Buick Motor Division of General Motors in 1983 after 37 years of service. At one time, Bob and 4 of his 5 brothers worked at General Motors in Flint. In retirement, he and Carolyn moved to East Tawas, MI. Mr. Hartman was a proud World War II veteran having served with the US Army in Japan. One of his most cherished memories was the "Honor Flight" that he took to Washington DC in 2012, recognizing World War II veterans. He lived 91 years, 3 months and 8 days, enjoying 33,338 days on this earth, living in what he called the best country in the world! Bob was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tawas City, Michigan.Bob was the last surviving member of an incredible nuclear family. Starting with Ralph and ending with Bob, the family history spanned 136 years over three centuries. The richness of the first-hand stories were fascinating, from German immigration to the U.S., raising a family during the Depression Era, the hardships of being German during WWII in the U.S., sending five sons to serve in Armed Forces in both theaters during WWII and the Korean War, to decades of involvement in the automobile industry. The Hartman Family made significant, yet unsung contributions to the nation during what has been called the Greatest Generation- they were right in the middle of it.The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Medora House at Portage Pointe Health in Hancock for their compassion and gentle care during Robert's last days. A visitation for family and friends to celebrate Bob's life is scheduled for Saturday, August 6th, from 10am-noon, at the Buresh Funeral Home. The address is 416 Whittmore Street, Tawas City, MI 48763. There will be graveside service with military honors immediately following. Donations in Mr. Hartman's memory, at the request of the family, can be made to:Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly527 Hancock StreetHancock, MI 49930Service Information To send flowers to the family of Robert Hartman, please visit Tribute Store