Hartman, William Edit page

William Hartman

12/16/43 - 4/23/23

William "Bill" A. Hartman (79) of Toledo, Ohio, passed away at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on April 24th. The last days of his life were spent in the way that he preferred throughout his entire life, surrounded by his family and friends. In these last days, Bill exhibited what he was known for; strong will, strength, and determination.

Bill was born December 16, 1943 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to the late Norman and Bessie (Laughery) Hartman. He graduated from Woodward High School in Toledo. After high school he went on to serve in the Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and was awarded special designation as a Sharpshooter. Following his service in the National Guard, he studied the skill trades and was employed as a Machine Repairman for 31 years at the Jeep Headquarters in Toledo at the North Assembly Complex. Bill was a devoted worker, as he worked the midnight shift 7 days a week for many years. Sick time was not an option, as he rarely ever called off work. His reputation for hard work, leadership, and technical skills earned him status among his peers as a trusted and valued colleague. While working at Jeep he was elected as a union representative, where he achieved success using his skill of debating, and straightforward honest conversation, talents that he maintained until his last days.

His debating and mediation skills were backed up by a vast range of knowledge. Bill craved learning and had a relentless desire for continued education. Prior to his retirement at Jeep, he sought out and obtained an associates degree at Lourdes College. As a non-traditional student in his 50's, he was respectfully given the nickname of "The smartest man in the world" by his coworkers. Bill ultimately did retire, but found retirement not as a time for rest, but a time to pursue new ventures. Shortly after retirement, Bill started his own business buying and selling various fishing lures and equipment throughout the country. When he wasn't busy with his new business or maintaining his home, Bill enjoyed spending his new found time socializing at the VFW (Toledo post 2898) with his many friends.

Aside from work, Bill had many hobbies that included researching the internet, hunting and fishing, and teaching anyone who asked how to fix anything. His favorite place to enjoy the outdoors was at Deep Lake in Brooklyn, Michigan where he spent his summers with family and friends. He loved hanging out with "the boys' and being part of all the crazy shenanigans that happened at the lake. As an outdoorsman, he also was an avid hunter and fisherman, able to tell many stories of his adventures and teach what he knew to all that had the pleasure of spending time with him. Lastly but not least, Bill's greatest pride was his grandchildren. He loved them fiercely and enjoyed telling them stories and attending their sporting and academic events. When he became too sick to attend the events, he was watching games online. Most visits spent with them always included a trip to breakfast or stopping for ice cream.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara (Turnbull); his children, Dawn Marzano (Joe), Jeffrey Hartman; grandchildren, Marissa, Joseph, and Dominic Marzano; siblings, Sue Doty, Anne Kalell, and Emma (Lil) Fox. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Hartman; sisters, Judy Hammon, Delores Metz, Sandy Venier, Dorthy Metz; and beloved dog, Millie.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Sylvania First United Methodist Church in Sylvania, Ohio. Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Sylvania First United Methodist Church.