Harold Hartman
On June 8, 1932, in St. Benedict, MN, Harold Joseph was born to parents Edward and Clara (Wick) Hartman. He was the fourth of six children. Harold’s c h i l d h o o d years were growing up in St. Benedict and attending school. He went to New Prague High School for one year and graduated from Jordan High School.
Harold proudly served in the United States Army Engineers for two years. Drafted at the age of 22, he then entered the Army in October of 1952. Harold was stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska, and was a driver for the General of the company, which he truly enjoyed. He loved his time in Alaska, because it was so beautiful and remembers sleeping in a snow bank, with the temperature being - 76 degrees. Harold was discharged in September of 1954.
At his sister, Alice’s wedding, Harold met Ann Preslicka. They were married on June 16, 1956, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, MN. They were blessed with five children, Mark, Karen, Tim, Steve and an infant daughter, Mary, who died at birth. The family lived in the same house in Jordan until 1999, when they downsized to a townhouse in Jordan. Ann passed away on April 26, 2000.
Working for Minneapolis Moline in Hopkins and Toro in Richfield for many years, Harold worked over 23 years at Continental Machines in Savage, until retiring in July of 1995. Harold was a lifelong member of the Jordan and Shakopee Knights of Columbus, as a Third Degree member and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Harold enjoyed playing cards, tending to the vegetable garden, bowling and going on vacations. His passion in life was his family and spending time with his grandchildren. After a heart attack, stroke and other complications, Harold moved to St. Gertrude’s Assisting Living Facility in Shakopee, in August of 2005. He was one of the first residents and the only man. Harold said he felt like a King among the Queens. As a resident of St. Gertrude’s, Harold enjoyed bingo, men’s crafts, outings to baseball games and fishing. He also liked visiting the casino, attending parades and history museum and many other places. In October of 2011, he transferred to the Long Term Care at St. Gertrude’s.
A devoted Catholic, quiet and hardworking, Harold will be truly missed for his heartwarming smile. The afternoon of Saturday, September 21, 2013, Harold was 81, when he entered the eternal arms of God at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee, MN.
Remembered always and will be forever missed by those who loved Harold, children, Mark (Sue Wies) Hartman of New Prague, Karen (Gerard) Yarusso of Shakopee, Tim (Kim) Hartman of Shakopee, Steve (Tesa) Hartman of Champlin; grandchildren, Joe (Jenny), Molly (fiancé, Bob), Chelsea, Emily, Gracie, Taylor and Shelby; great-grandchildren, Jamison and Hannah; sister, Alice Schanus of New Prague; brothers, Richard (Ann) Hartman of Jordan, Alan (Alda) Hartman of St. Paul; sister-in-law, Armella (Hartman) Hinderscheit of New Prague; brother- in-law, Danny Mornson of Chaska; other loving relatives and friends.
Harold was greeted in heaven by his wife, Ann; infant daughter, Mary; parents, Edward and Clara (Math Schommer), brother, Virgil Hartman; sister, Elvira Mornson, brother-in-law, Donnie Schanus.
Pall bearers for Harold will be Taylor Hartman, Joe Hartman, Gary Hartman, Wayne Schanus, Dale Hartman, Ron Mornson, Charlie Hartman and Donnie Bauer.
The visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, at Ballard- Sunder Funeral Home, 104 West First Street, Jordan, and one hour prior to the Mass at the church. The Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 26, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 210 North Broadway Street, Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Harold will be laid to rest next to his wife at St. John’s Calvary Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard.
The Hartman family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral. com
