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BORN
1926
DIED
2019
George Hartman Obituary
Mr. Hartman retired as a quality-control analyst from Ford's Sandusky Plastics plant in the 1990s after 20 years. He previously was a quality-control analyst for 27 years at the former Bunting Brass and Bronze plant in Toledo.
"He just loved conversation and he loved people," his son, Steve Hartman, said. "One of his favorite activities was talking to strangers. And no conversation was too trite for him. If you wanted to talk about gas prices, especially high gas prices, he would be fine with that.
"He was also a man of integrity. That's what stood out about him. He was like George Washington in that he never told a lie," the younger Mr. Hartman said, adding that his father hardly missed a day at both jobs.
The elder Mr. Hartman was born May 15, 1926, in Springfield Township to Emma and George Hartman.
In 1943, he quit high school in his junior year to work on a farm for about a year to help his family.
In 1944, he was drafted by the Army, completed basic training, and was shipped to the Philippines.
In the Philippines, he was with the Army's 32nd "Red Arrow" Division; after the war ended, he was part of the U.S. occupying force in Japan. While in the Army, he was at different times a supplies specialist and a military policeman.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Toledo to work at Bunting Brass and Bronze.
In 1951, he married Glenna Opperman; they settled in Toledo where they raised three sons. She died in 2015.
Mr. Hartman was proud that all his sons were Eagle Scouts. He was also proud of his German heritage.
In retirement, Mr. Hartman enjoyed visiting national parks, and attending German American festivals in Oregon.
Over the years, he also enjoyed having pet Shetland sheepdogs, of which he owned four.
He was a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Toledo.
He also belonged to area veterans' organizations.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter and three sisters.
Surviving are his sons, Joseph, Michael, and Steve Hartman; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation.
A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, 1842 Airport Hwy.
The family suggests tributes to the Boy Scouts of America Erie Shores Council.
This is a news story by Mike Sigov. Contact him at:[email protected], 419-724-6089, or on Twitter @mikesigovblade.
Memories and Condolences
for George Hartman
27 Entries
Ronald Halpin
February 13, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about George's passing My deepest condolences to his family. I happened to see Steve's story on CBS Sunday Morning and realized that I actually knew his father and had been to that split level house in Toledo many times as a child. My parents were Herb and Nina Halpin, My Great Uncle was George Halpin. I recall visits to his home and then we would make the short trip over to visit George and Glenna and their son. George was always so charming and entertaining. He left such an impression on me.
Over the years I always enjoyed Steve's stories and knew he was from Toledo. When I saw his dad and then that house, I was flooded with warm memories from 60 years ago. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing back those memories. Thank you to George Hartman for being a great man.
Ted Scherff
February 10, 2019
George was just a cool guy. I recall George, Glena, and Steve being at Mr. & Mrs. Opermans' on Singer Island. George was just one laugh after another with my father. As the years progressed I enjoyed George's humor, sense of pride (for his family), and his love for Glena and friends. You will be missed.
Kathy Stripling
February 10, 2019
Saw the story Steve did on his Dad (one of several he has done) and it touched my heart. I lost my dad , recently and what he said rang so true. Being a native Toledoan, I am always proud to hear stories Steve would do about his hometown. My condolences to all his family.
Barbara Bowen Knapp
February 9, 2019
To The Hartman Boys. I have such fond memories of your family. We all lived in South Toledo, and George coached baseball with our dad, Olen Bowen, Glenna was a good friend to my mom, Corky, and she often mentored me as a college student perusing a career in education. Loved them both. We were all blessed to be raised by members of The Greatest Generation, and your dad personified that greatness. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, Holding you all close during this time.
Sue McConn
February 8, 2019
I only know your father from Steve's CBS segments. But I know how it feels to be an orphan. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I had a Dad with great integrity also and I miss him every day. You are in my prayers. I used to work in Toledo.
Debra
February 8, 2019
Dear Hartman Family,
I hope you will forgive a CBS viewer for intruding at such a difficult time. My deepest sympathies. Although I don't know you personally, I feel I do in a small yet significant way through the On the Road segments which touched on your father, and our hearts. (I, too, lost my similarly-aged Midwestern dad this year.) Thank you for honoring the humble, good and selfless men of the Depression/World War II era. The love you, his sons, have for your father is his greatest legacy.
Warm Regards,
Debra
Mary Reese
February 8, 2019
Steve Hartman and Family, I did not know your Father but followed his stories with On The Road Again. The stories touched my heart. Your family has my sympathies and may your Dad Rest in Peace. Thoughts and prayers.
Michael Zerner
February 8, 2019
To the Hartman family,Please accept my condolences. While I never met your father, through your CBS stories, I feel like he is an old friend. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hartman for raising such a wonderful family. Thank you Steve for your inspiring, uplifting, compassionate, kind and caring stories. Thank you for bringing some joy, love and empathy to our world.Respectfully,Michael Zerner
February 8, 2019
Please excuse me if I am infringing on your privacy. I follow Steve Hartman on CBS and I was struck by his tribute to his Dad on tonight's broadcast. Like you, I became an orphan 21 years ago when my mother died (four years after my father, also a WW-II veteran).
I have five brothers and we've talked at length about how we were now orphans, but the way that Steve said it on the air. "His death makes me an orphan. My mom died a few years ago and I can tell you this is a unique kind of emptiness when there's no one left on Earth to love you quite so unconditionally. " put it in a way that touched me. Also the mention of "faith and family", which was important to all of us boys who also grew up in a Catholic household.
Martin Connell
February 8, 2019
Steve,
Please accept my condolences.
~Marty Connell, SJ
Elizabeth Zimmerman
February 8, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss
Pat & Val Lutman
February 8, 2019
Dear Steve and Hartman family,
We did not personally know your father, but watched your story about him and moving him out of his home a few years back. We are also Toledo natives, raised our sons in south Toledo and had friends from St. Charles Church.
We are so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you have of your father carry you all through the tough times ahead.
PS We love your On The Road Stories
February 8, 2019
We were fortunate to have great neighbors as a young married couple living on Malcom Road. George Hartman was an example of living right. His work ethic was incredible. Our condolences to Joe, Mike, Steve and their families.
Doug and Chris Glick
Jeff Neuman
January 31, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Hartman taught me a lot, especially in our visits to the Sunshine Children's Home. I have very fond memories that include all of the Hartman's during our time together in Boy Scout Troop 201.
Dean Pickett
January 30, 2019
Very sorry for your loss, your family are in our prayers.
Gary & Carol Geiser
January 29, 2019
Our condolences to everyone in the Hartman family. George was a wonderful human being. George and Glenna raised great kids. My father grew up with George and always considered him his best friend. Our family has many fond memories from years in Ohio and later meeting up on Singer Island. Bless y'all!
January 29, 2019
Mike, Lisa and the Hartman Family: As you gather together during this time, may you find solace in one another and in the memories that you shared. George sounds like he was a wonderful man. Love, The Weeks Family
CW
January 29, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. I'm very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time, and be strengthen to you by God'sWord in John 6:40
Joe Dreps
January 29, 2019
Sorry to read of your Father's Death, Many pleasant memories of past Sixty some years of knowing and working with him I'm many ways, from working with my Dad wiring his home to helping pour the driveway concrete before I went into service in 1955.
Tried stopping on my way south in 2015 in Atlanta to No avail with out a copilot to read the map. The roads are not straight and street name signs few and fare apart.
I'll keep him in may paryers.
January 29, 2019
George,
you were the best father in law a girl could ever ask for. Kind, fun, caring, and accepting. You were a big Teddy bear. The first thing you always asked was "How are the kids?" I am going to miss you big guy ❤. There will always be a hole in my heart. I know we'll see each again some day. Lot of love to you..xox
Sarah (Sally) Navarro
January 29, 2019
I remember George very well. He married one my girl friends from DeVilbiss High school, who met George at Toledo University. He was a very nice person. Sally Navarro
Linda Mc
January 28, 2019
Please accept my condolences may God give to your family the comfort and and strength you need to cope with your loss ,please know that he is there to listen to all your heartfelt prayers for help Jeremiah 29: 11,12.
January 28, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. It's very hard to lose a love one, however may God give you peace, hope and comfort during this most difficult time. Romans 15:13
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