Mr. George Hartman's Obituary
Mr. George Hartman, age 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in his home at Sanctuary at the Oaks. Mr. Hartman was born September 14, 1923 to George and Grace D. (Wenting) Hartman in Muskegon. He was a 1941 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School.
George served his country in the US Army Air Corps during WWII, where he served with the 390th Bomb Group, 570th squadron. George was shot down on his 24th mission, on November 30, 1944, over Zeitz, Germany. He, along with three other survivors, became prisoners of war at Stalag Luft IV prison camp. In February 1945, George and his fellow prisoners were forced to flee with their captors for 86 days and were finally liberated by Canadians troops on May 2, 1945, ending 160 days as a P.O.W.
George returned home to Muskegon on June 12, 1945 and started work at Sealed Power as a machine operator. Shortly thereafter, he began his career with the Muskegon Fire Department, retiring in 1979 as a Lieutenant after 30 years of service. George has been a member of Covenant Community Church since 1924, serving as a deacon, and being involved in many of the church activities over the years. George was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan for over seventy years. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post #446, a member of Local 370 Firefighters Union, a member of the 390th Bomb group Veterans Association, served as chairman of the Ex POW’s for seven years and served on the Board of Directors for the 390th Memorial Museum in Tucson, AZ for eight years.
On March 7, 1944 he married the former Nancy L. Dixon and she preceded him in death in July of 1984. He then married Julia Dinkel on March 19, 1986 and she preceded him in death on March 22, 2017. George’s greatest joy in life was his family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his children, Larry (Suzanne) Hartman of Zephyrhills, Florida, Susan (Sam) Tracy of Spring Lake, Ronald (Minny) Hartman of North Muskegon, Robert (Lynette) Hartman of Stanwood, MI, Michael (Linda) Hartman of Muskegon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Beverly Morrell, Norma (Ronald) Cleveringa and Martha Sears; and many nieces and nephews. George was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Kay, sisters, Gertrude Townsend and Catherine Fox; and brothers-in-law, Louis Fox, Richard Sears, Clarence Morrell.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 26, 2018 at Covenant Community Church, 134 E. Barney, Muskegon Heights, with Revs. Mark and Miriam Bush officiating with full Military Rites afforded under the Auspices of the V.F.W. Muskegon County Council. Visitation will be from 2-5 PM Sunday at the Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. Burial will take place in Restlawn Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Covenant Community Church or (Pima Air & Space Museum), 390th Memorial Museum, 600 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85756. Share memories with George’s family at www.sytsemafh.com
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