William Hartman, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William (Bill) Hartman, Jr. Born to William Sr. and Jennie (Otte) Hartman on September 29, 1939, he grew up with his five siblings in Oostburg, Wisconsin. Attending Calvin Christian College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, his chosen career path was education. He enjoyed 48 years of teaching young junior high minds the joys of Bible and Social Studies. He taught in Wisconsin for 13 years, then moved his family to Pella, Iowa in 1975, where he taught at Pella Christian Grade School for 25 years, then at Peoria Christian Grade School for the remaining ten years of his career. He retired in June, 2010 at the ripe young age of 70. 

Bill met his wife, Marilyn (Vande Garde) of Orange City, Iowa while they were both teaching in Waupun, Wisconsin. They married August 3, 1966. They were blessed with two children, Brian and Sheri. Bill was a devoted husband and father, but most of all, loved being a grandfather to his three grandchildren, Wayde, Charles (Chase), and Alexis. In addition to raising his family and teaching, Bill proudly served as an elder in his church, joyfully taught Sunday school, and cheerfully led ladies aid and Bible study. He even had the fun experience of hosting his own Christian radio show for a time. 

Bill lived a full and eventful life, which unfortunately came to an end when he went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son Brian Hartman and wife Cayla (Liles) of Joliet, Illinois, his daughter Sheri Hartman-Coffey of Carbondale, Illinois, and his three grandchildren, Wayde, Charles, and Alexis. He is also survived by his younger brother James. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Jennie, and four of his siblings, Marion, Francis, Betsy, and John. 

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