Frederick Hartman

Frederick (Fred) David Hartman, born on August 5, 1938, in Auburn, Nebraska, was the beloved son of Frederick Marcus and Gladys (Fetz) Hartman. The family relocated to Gretna, Nebraska, when Fred was five years old, where he attended Gretna Schools and graduated in 1956. Following his graduation, Fred enlisted in the Army in 1959, serving with honor and distinction in Germany for two years during the period between the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Upon his return from military service, Fred embarked on a fulfilling career as an over-the-road truck driver, dedicating himself to Hunt Transportation Company and later, Holmes Freight Lines, until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 57. Throughout his career, Fred traversed over 4,000,000 miles, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and work ethic.

In October of 1963, Fred crossed paths with the love of his life, Ruth Annetta Dierks. Their love story culminated in marriage at Kountze Memorial Church in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 14, 1964. Together, they established roots in Gretna, Nebraska, where they shared over 57 years of cherished memories and unwavering devotion.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Fred found solace and joy in camping adventures alongside Ruth, exploring all but two of the lower 48 states in their fifth-wheel camper. Calamus Reservoir in Burwell, Nebraska, held a special place in their hearts, where countless trips were spent fishing and creating lasting memories with their children and grandchildren.

Fred's passion for fishing earned him two master angler awards for his impressive catches at Calamus. His diverse interests extended beyond fishing to woodworking, metal detecting, rock collecting, jewelry making, and the restoration of old hit-and-miss motors. However, his true joy lay in nurturing his garden, where he cultivated bountiful harvests of vegetables and flowers to share with loved ones and neighbors.

In 1993, Fred embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless love and enthusiasm, cherishing the arrival of six granddaughters and later, two great-grandsons. Their presence illuminated his life with immeasurable joy and laughter.

Fred was preceded in death by his daughter Cheri Ann Hartman, his parents, Fred and Gladys Hartman, and his sisters, Lois (Ed) Downing and Marge (Ed) Nelson. He is survived by his beloved wife Ruth, daughters Christy (Bob) Luebbe, Malinda (Mike) Farhart, Lisa (Bob) Roseland, son Fred (Kristin) Hartman, and Elle (Hauie) Muhs, who, although originally their foreign exchange student, became like a daughter to Fred and Ruth. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hannah Luebbe, Ellie (Nick) Korpi, Maggie Roseland and her fiance Shane Jiskra, Kate Roseland, and Addison and Khloe Hartman. Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Cameron Korpi and Beau Jiskra.

Fred's memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to inspire generations to come.