Alexander Joseph Hartman

Alexander Joseph Hartman Jr., "Al", age 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded by family.
Al's life story is one of perseverance, resilience, and hard work; values passed down from his
parents as well as his grandparents, who immigrated from Germany and Poland in the early 1900's with only two dollars in their pockets. Determined to build a better life, they instilled a strong work ethic in the family – a legacy Al carried forward to his very last days of life.
Born in July 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alexander and Helen Hartman, Al's early years were shaped by dedication and hard work. His family moved to "the farm" in Yale, Michigan, away from city life, when he was a young boy. He loved to share his memories of growing up on the farm and how much he absolutely loved those years of his life. He learned to drive while he was just a boy, and as an adult he said he was in heaven when he was behind the wheel. He left school at a young age to earn money to help his parents and to gain skills that would help him build a better future for his own life. He lived in Michigan until the Air Force brought him to Fairchild Air Base in Spokane, where he worked as an airplane mechanic.
It was during a night out at a drive-in movie theatre in 1958 that Al met his future wife, Louise. They married the following year at Spangle Community Christian Church, beginning a lifelong journey together. Shortly thereafter, he loaded his 1957 Chevy with all of their belongings and they moved to Yale, Michigan, where he had a job waiting for him at General Motors. They welcomed three children before returning to Spokane to live, where their fourth child was born. Al built several successful businesses over the years; the first on evenings and weekends after working his full-time job - which grew into the largest Lawn Care Service in Spokane. He credited his wife, Louise, with assisting him in building his early success. Later, he co-owned a residential remodeling company with his son for many years. Even after he "retired" from that company, he worked extremely hard! He enjoyed fixing-up houses. He loved the satisfaction of taking apart a lawn mower that was broken - fixing it, and then selling it so it would have further use. Family was the cornerstone of Al's life. He was married to the love of his life, Louise, for 56 years. He loved and was very proud of his children and grandchildren - he always wanted to hear about what they were doing, what they were accomplishing, and adventures they were experiencing. He believed that family is the strongest bond! He believed that one always helps
family; so he often helped with projects and appreciated it when family helped him. It was a bonding time for all.
He adored his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Each grandchild has their own special memories and relationship with him. They fondly remember the mischievous glint in his eyes when he teased them, and how fun it was to watch NASCAR with him. They recall that he taught them the importance of a strong handshake, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and the right tool. Several of his grandchildren, including the youngest two grandsons, were blessed with more time with him after his retirement – building go-carts together, learning home remodeling skills, and numerous other activities together.
Until a few days before he died, Al was still actively living the legacy he built through determination, strong work ethic and dedication to family. Al is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Louise, his parents, and his brothers. He is survived by his children: Michelle (Mike) Tripp, Mitch (Marta) Hartman, Julie (Art) Thayer, and Jill (Tony) Green; his grandchildren: Alex, Nick and Mark Hartman, Jessica (Tony) Mendoza, Monica (Ted) Ratcliff, Max (Amanda) Tripp, Brandon and Ryan Thayer, Riley and Cooper Green; his great-grandchildren: Lawrence, Thora, Mollie and Eva, Hazel, Rosemary and Montgomery; and several nieces and nephews.
Cemetery Spangle Cemetery Spangle, WA To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alexander, please visit our floral store.