Wayne Hartman

Wayne E. Hartman, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, January 30, 2016, at his residence. Along with his twin brother Warren, Wayne was born on October 7, 1923, the third of nine children. Son of the late Silas and Elizabeth (nee: Kuenzi) Hartman, he was raised on the family farm in Strawn, IL.

During World War II, he proudly served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. On November 24, 1945, Wayne married the love of his life, Charlotte L. Nance in Fairbury, IL. They raised four children and shared 68 beautiful years together before Charlotte passed away on June 8, 2014. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. While employed with the JI Case Company from 1957-1986, Wayne received a safety patent and last worked as Department Engineer. He was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Racine, and volunteered for many years with Habitat for Humanity. In his spare time Wayne was an avid gardener, bowler, dancer, bridge player and traveler. He will be remembered fondly for his strong faith, his generous spirit and willingness to help others, his great love and devotion to his family, and his sense of humor.

Wayne will be dearly missed by his 4 children, Myra Hartman of St. Paul, MN, Marsha (David Senness) Hartman of St. Paul, MN; Beth Nielsen of Racine; Ken (Mary Jo) Hartman of Racine; 4 grandchildren, Carl (Abby) Heuckendorf, Christo Nielsen, Erica (Caleb) Butler, Mitchell Hartman; 5 great grandchildren, Logan Fesko, Gwen and Audrey Heuckendorf, Charlie and Brady Butler; 3 siblings, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 5 siblings and son-in-law, Dale Nielsen.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave, Thursday February 4, 2016, 11:00 a.m., with Rev Gillian Weighton officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Private interment with Full Military Honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to First Presbyterian Church or to The Woods of Caledonia (formerly Elizabeth Residence) have been suggested.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers who helped Wayne through the years, including staffs at: Woods of Caledonia, New Beginnings Home, Home Harbor, Seasons Hospice and to Dr. Carol Potts for her extraordinary care.