Obituary of Richard Roy Hartman
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Roy Hartman of Dundee, MI on April 16th, at the age of 89 after a lengthy illness. He was born June 18, 1930 in Petersburg, MI. He married the love of his life Kathryn (Laberdee) Hartman on April 18, 1953. He passed 2 days shy of their 67th wedding anniversary.
Dick always looked to the sky because he loved planes, including flying small ones. We remember Sunday mornings after church going to Detroit Metro Airport to watch planes take off and land, as well as attending many air shows. He loved an occasional martini or beer, fishing, playing his harmonica, playing cards, golfing, dancing, bowling, and camping (Kettle Hoppers). Before and after retirement Dick and Kate would spend time in Florida during the winter, and in the summer near the Soo Locks to watch the boats and walk the bridge. After retirement they took a 3-month trip to Alaska in their motorhome. Most of all he loved being with family and friends.
Dick was an electrician all his life, beginning his career at Revco in Deerfield (20 years). He retired in 1989 after 20 years in the High Voltage Department at the University of Michigan. Dick had his own company "Hartman Electric", wiring many homes and businesses in Dundee and the surrounding areas. He could not have been prouder that his son Dennis chose to follow in his footsteps.
Dick is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kate); his children Deb Yoder, Renee (Pat) Bracey, Gloria (Sam) Messner, Linda (Greg) Rodenbeck, Dennis Hartman, and son-in-law Jon Petticrew (Denise (passed 11/11/15)); 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren (with another due in June); sisters Mildred Corbin (Vermont) and June Goetz (Monroe); and Hartman and Laberdee family members too many to mention. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ethel Hartman, daughter Denise Petticrew, grandson Brad Petticrew, and sister Doris Murdoch.
The Hartman Family wants to thank all of Dick's many caregivers over the last several months (Kelly, Edna, and Agnes), Reliable Home Care, his aides and nurses from Hospice, and the staff at Hampton Manor. We will be forever grateful you allowed us more time with him. We also thank all of our family and friends who have provided comfort and support these last several months.
Due to COVID-19, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life Services and Mass will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation, the Lupus Foundation, or Monroe County Promedica Hospice.
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Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street (734) 529-3156. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.