Gerald “Jerry” Raymond Hartman, of Sunman, was born on July 28, 1940, cherished son of Leo and Anna Meth Hartman. After graduating Sunman High School, he married Mary Helen Fritsch on August 5, 1961, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and together they had five wonderful children. Jerry worked for French’s Meat Locker and the Milan Locker for numerous years as a butcher. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, riding his four-wheeler, caring for his cows, and spending time with his brother. He took great joy in watching his Purple Martins return each year, but above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 85, Jerry passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Arbor Grove Village in Greensburg, Indiana.
Those surviving who will cherish Jerry’s memory include his children, Kim (Gary) Ertel, Sis (Scott) Corbin, Dave (Lisa) Hartman, and Lisa (Chris) Guerra (also lovingly known as “Fred”); fourteen grandchildren, Matthew Ertel, Megan Ertel, Brandi Burdsall, MacKenzie “Max” Corbin, Brittany Donawerth, Kristina Fivecoat, Breanna Locker, Baileigh Bloemker, Dakota Hartman, Calysta Hartman, Lacie Guerra, Courtney Toth, Chiara “Boo” Guerra, and Lillyana Guerra; 14 great-grandchildren, Noah Ertel, Rhys Burdsall, Delaney, Alyssa, and Evander Donawerth, DeShawn, Donnavan, Beksley, and Blayde Fivecoat, Hudson Bloemker, EvRhett Franklin, Reed May, River McCracken, and Waylon Guerra; as well as two more great-grandchildren on the way; six siblings, Shirley Schuman, Donnie Hartman, Carol Harsh, Janice Dieselberg, Sylvia Meeks, and Linda (Gary) Zimmerman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 55 years, Mary Hartman; one son, Lance Hartman; two sisters, Rita Hartman and Phyllis Voegele, one great-granddaughter, McKinlee Guerra, as well as numerous in-laws.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, September 22 from 4pm until 7pm at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman. The Rosary will be prayed prior to the beginning of visitation at 3:45pm. Father Shaun Whittington will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 23 at 10am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 6461 E. St. Nicholas Drive, Sunman. Burial will follow immediately after in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made either in person at the funeral home or by mail to the following organizations: Sunman Rural Fire Department: 621 N Meridian St, Sunman, IN 47041, Sunman Area Life Squad Rescue 20: 403 N Meridian St, Sunman, IN 47041, or to the St. Nicholas Heritage Project: 6461 E. St. Nicholas Dr.Sunman, Indiana 47041.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the following staff members at Arbor Grove Village: Natalia, Alexis, and Jessica. Your dedication and compassion did not go unnoticed.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to once again care for the Hartman family.