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5 Entries
Mickey
February 15, 2025
I love you Dad so much. I miss you everyday
Jack Hartmann
October 11, 2024
For me, my father´s story began at age 20-when he met my mom at a party in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The very next day, my mom went to her parents and said, "That´s the man I´m going to marry." From there... their love story grew between hangouts at Mitchell´s Bar, and going to Wisconsin football games with Sue and Craig. At 26, they got married. Together, they built a family starting with my brother Tommy, then my sister Kelly, and finally, they saved the best for last- the twins. But being the best didn´t come easy. My brother and I spent six weeks in the ICU after being born premature. Every single day, my father was there-leaving work early, watching over us, rubbing my back, and even shaking me back to life when my heart would stop.
My mom says Dad cried only three times in his life: once when his father, Delvin, passed away from a heart attack on a golf course, another when his brother Mick died suddenly, and the third time was when doctors told him his sons might not make it. Without my dad´s dedication, love, and support, I wouldn´t have made it to my first birthday. His quiet strength, devotion, and constant care were the foundation of our family.
Dad was always there for us. He coached Tommy´s soccer team and never missed a high school game. He took my sister to daddy-daughter dances, coached her softball team, and treated her like the princess she is. He taught Mickey and me how to throw a football, catch a baseball, swim, and ride bikes. None of which we were very good at. I´ll never forget sitting on his lap when he taught me how to drive a golf cart-though he didn´t do the best job because later that day... I crashed it into the garage door. It was totaled,
Some of my fondest memories were the times we spent playing video games together-Blitz Football was his favorite, and I´d always let him hang in there because I was just happy he was playing with me. And I wanted to make sure he had fun. We watched countless movies together, and going to the theater with him was something special. We always arrived 30 minutes early to catch every preview, giving each a thumbs-up or down. He took me to my first Packers game, and we watched every single game together after that through my childhood. I thank God every day that he made me a Packers fan because the alternative-the Bears-would´ve been devastating.
Dad was our rock, and no matter what we needed, he was always the first person we´d call. Whether it was fixing something around the house, offering advice, or just being there for support, he always had our backs. He was strong and capable, and life just felt safer with him around. Even in the worst moments, Dad always knew what to do.
He wasn´t just a great father; he was a loving and devoted husband to my mom. Their bond was truly special-they were more than husband and wife, they were best friends and partners in everything. Every morning of their marriage started with a cup of coffee and a conversation about the latest shenanigans their kids had brought into their lives. Mom worried about us, and Dad, in exchange, worried about her. They navigated life together with love, compassion, and a whole lot of patience.
He might not have worn his heart on his sleeve, but his heart was as big as Lambeau Field. He cared deeply for his family, especially his amazing and strong mother Lilly and his funny and sweet sisters Loretta and Janet. And while he had a strong, quiet presence, he also had a goofy and lighthearted side-one that Ellie and Eddie, his grandchildren, brought out in him often.
I take solace in knowing that Dad passed doing what he loved-playing golf with his best friend, Wayne. He wasn´t alone, and he wasn´t in pain. He spent that morning with Mom, talking on the way up. He got to spend a Wednesday, not in the office or at work, but outdoors, on a beautiful Wisconsin day.
His legacy is written in the hearts of those he loved. Every tear we shed, every heart that´s broken, is a testament to the kind of man he was-kind, giving, and selfless. He served his family and friends without ever expecting recognition or reward. He was utterly devoted to my mother, carrying her through life´s challenges and being her guiding light. He loved his grandchildren, always there for every pickup, every hug, and every moment of play. He even would drive past their house... just to peek at them in the backyard. He was obsessed. He was there for us, his kids-whether it was helping us through a problem or just chatting about the Packers or the stock market. He was always the steady voice of reason in our lives.
Right now, the pain of losing him feels unbearable. The ache we´re feeling is proof of how incredible a father he was. His love will stay with us every day, even though life feels a whole lot less without him.
Dad, we´re going to miss you. You brought so much joy, humor, and kindness into our lives. You taught us to be strong, patient, and caring, just like you. I´ll cherish the lessons you gave me and the memories we made together forever. My children won´t get to meet the best grandfather ever but they will know you and carry your legacy. We´re so lucky to have had you as our father, and we love you now and always.
Mike Geraty
October 9, 2024
We were next door neighbors with the Hartmann's 30 years ago. We've been friends ever since. Lots of laughs and wonderful memories. What a great guy! We are so sorry for your loss. Xoxo Mike & Susan
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Matt Pagano
October 8, 2024
I know literally *one* card trick. Uncle Tom taught it to me when I was about ten years old and I remember being absolutely flabbergasted by it at the time. I'm in my mid-thirties now and it's still one of my happiest memories.
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