Harold Arthur Hartman, Marion, made his spiritual transition on February 2, 2012.
Originally from Ossineke, Michigan, he was born to Christian and Ottillie (Wagner) Hartman on February 2nd, 1919 in Sanborn Township on the family farm.
Mr. Hartman married the former Ruth Kowalski on November 22nd, 1941 in Alpena, Michigan at the bride’s parent’s home.
Mr. Hartman proudly served in the US Army Air Corp during World War II. He was inducted January 4, 1943 in Alpena, Michigan and served in the Central Europe Campaign under Patton in HQ Battery 550th AA BN 3rd Army participating in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a PFC and served as an interpreter for the interrogation unit in Patton’s Third Army.
During his time overseas he was present at a meeting involving Churchill, Stalin, Eisenhower, Montgomery (whom he met personally) and Patton discussing who was going to take Berlin. He was also involved in the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Much of the series "The Band of Brothers" is relative to his experience overseas.
While in the Service he earned the following awards: American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Overseas Service Bar and a Good Conduct Medal. He received an honorable discharge on November 29, 1945.
He started working at Universal Cooler in 1940 and after the war, moved his family here in 1945 and raised them, working at both Tecumseh Products and his own plumbing business for 35 years before retiring in 1975 and moving back “up north”. He moved back to Marion in 1996, the same year he lost his wife.
Harold loved working in flower beds, raising tomatoes and other vegetables, and taking care of his birds. Always ready with a joke and a smile or some kind of practical joke gadget, he was also ready to help out anyone in need.
He is survived by his children Carol Lee (Tim) Shea of Los Angeles, Judith (John) Choate of Ft. Worth, TX, Nancy (Michael) Judge of Livonia, MI., Jeffrey (Debra) Hartman of Mesquite, TX, and Mark (Annette) Hartman of Marion, OH, 6 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, 4 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, Adeline, Evelyn, Lillian, and Wilma. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, daughter Diana, granddaughter Brenda, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
The family will observe a private service at a later date with internment at a national cemetery. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors will be handling arrangements.
Condolences can be expressed by contributions to Marion General Hospital Hospice in Mr. Hartman’s name and by visiting www.gunderhallandfolk.com.
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