John A. Hartman, age 76, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family. John was born on December 4, 1943 in Batesville. He was the son of Martha (Nee: Weisenbach) and John M. Hartman. He married Betty Schoettelkotte Beneker on November 14, 1998 in Harrison, Ohio. Although John didn’t like to talk about his years in the military, he was a proud Veteran serving our country as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard from 1964-1970.
Farming was always a part of John’s life and he eventually took over the family farm when his dad passed away. At one time he raised cattle and pigs along with grains of soybeans, corn, and wheat. While farming he found a love for construction and eventually solely owned his own company, Hartman Construction. He remodeled and built numerous family homes for nearly 40 years. Even after his retirement in 2010, he was often asked for advice on construction projects.
John always made time for vacations with his family and loved meeting new people along the way. He frequently travelled to Gatlinburg with his kids in their younger years. Florida and Branson were also favorite destinations. He always enjoyed trying a new restaurant while traveling and taking in a show was always an adventure. Later in life, John and Betty enjoyed taking cruises and bus tours anywhere from Canada to Mexico and across the United States.
John was a lifetime member of St. Anthony of Padua, Morris. Throughout the years he served on parish council, worked at parish festivals, and served as an usher. He was a board member of the Morris Volunteer Fire Department, member of the NRA, and Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; daughters Melissa (Greg) Richter of Sunman, Christy (Tom) Honnert, and son Doug (Michelle) Hartman both of Batesville. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Mike) Stenger of Sunman and former wife Cathy Sparks (Nee: Siefert). He has nine grandchildren: Amber, Amanda, and Quintin Richter; Jake and Luke Hartman; Josh, Jenna, Jason, and Jeremy Honnert. He has two great grandchildren: Rhett and Kane. John is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Hartman.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 17, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Meyers Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Church in Morris. Burial after in the church cemetery with military graveside rites, conducted by the Ripley County VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271
The family requests memorials to the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund and may be brought to services or mailed to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are asked to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
You are welcomed to leave a message at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com, on Johns obituary page for the family in the online guestbook.