In Memory of Roger Arthur Hartman

Roger A. Hartman, age 78, of Battle Creek, Iowa passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 14, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury, Iowa with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 14, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury, Iowa.  The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Roger Arthur Hartman was born on June 25, 1941, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was the son of Arthur and Freda (Jans) Hartman - Rose. Roger grew up in Garretson, South Dakota, and graduated from Garretson High School with the class of 1959.

On October 5, 1961, Roger enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country overseas and was honorably discharged on August 18, 1964.

Upon returning home, Roger farmed the family farm. On April 25, 1970, Roger married the love of his life Mary Kramer in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, Iowa. The couple made their first home on a farm outside of Garretson and they were blessed with four children: Tiffany, Jason, Brian, Michael and Kevin.

The family relocated to Ida Grove Iowa in 1980, where Roger took a position at GOMACO Industries.  Later the family moved to their forever home in Battle Creek, Iowa. Roger worked at Hultgren’s Implement up until he retired 2006.

Roger enjoyed everything about cars. If it had an engine, Roger was tinkering on it. He collected, built, and restored numerous vehicles and tractor’s during his life. Whether they were classic, vintage, hot stock or derby, Roger appreciated them all. He also enjoyed tractor pulling, watching westerns, attending car shows and taking the golf cart out for a spin around the town with his trusty companion Sam and his son Kevin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary Hartman of Battle Creek, Iowa; daughter, Tiffany (Matthew) Wilson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; sons, Jason (Shelly) Hartman of LeMars, Iowa, Brian (Molly) Hartman of Des Peres, Missouri, and Kevin Hartman of Battle Creek, Iowa; five grandchildren: McKenzie (David) King of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Morgan (fiancé Micah Neary) Hartman of Sioux City, Iowa, Ella Hartman, Ian Hartman and Elin Hartman; one great-grandchild, Grayson King; sister Geneva Skorr of Garretson, South Dakota; brothers-in-law Ron (Arla) Kramer of Larchwood, IA and Leonard Kramer of Inwood, Iowa; sister-in-law Betty Kramer of Rock Rapids, Iowa; and many extended family and friends.  

Roger is preceded in death by his parents Arthur Hartman and Freda Rose; infant son, Michael Hartman; numerous loved ones.