David Joseph Hartman

David Joseph Hartman, 85, passed peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Season Hospice in Rochester.

David was born Sept. 30, 1928, in Bluffton, Ind., to Milton "Robert" and Mary "Louise" Hartman and grew up in Craigville, Ind. Dave went on to study electrical engineering at Purdue University, during which time he met his wife, Naomi "Nan" Simerman. Dave met Nan at a New Year's Eve party and the two were married June 9, 1951. After years of relocating between Indiana and Minnesota, working as an engineer for companies such as Delco Remy, Honeywell and Control Data, David and family moved from Minneapolis to Rochester in 1972. Along with his wife, Nan, David changed direction and became owner of Hardware Hank in the Miracle Mile. Often referred to as "Hank," he always enjoyed greeting customers, and assisting them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. Over the years, Dave became an entrepreneur, working in land development and software writing among many other endeavors.

Dave enjoyed woodworking, reading, history and fishing.

David is survived by his brother, Walter; children, Valerie, Vicki, Karen, Clay and Clint; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; a host of lifelong friends; and his beloved dog, Star.

He is preceded in death by the wife he adored, Naomi and their daughter, Kathi.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Boy Scouts of America.

Bring your favorite memories and stories of Dave to share with us Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Community Celebration Church, 27401 County Highway 34, Kasson, MN 55944.