George F. Hartman

Cross Plains - George F. Hartman completed his journey on January 6, 2010. Predeceased by his parents and sisters Marie (Hartman) Bachhueber, and Margaret (Hartman) Driessen, he is mourned by his beloved wife, Margie, Cross Plains, WI; children Paul (Martha McIntyre), Regina, Canada; Christine, Houston, TX; John (Michelle Gersch), Minneapolis; Mary (David Sisk) and Georges grandchildren Milo and Nathan Sisk, Richland, WA; brothers Lawrence and William (Jean), Athens, WI; and many nephews, nieces and friends. George Francis Hartman was born on August 29, 1917 to Anton (T.A.) and Mary (nee Kress) Hartman in Athens, WI. The fourth of five children, he received his elementary and secondary school education in Athens and at St. Norberts College in De Pere, WI. Entering university at 17, he studied at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and the University of Michigan. A pupil of legendary environmental pioneer Aldo Leopold, George earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Forestry from Michigan, and then joined Wisconsins Conservation Department as a Forester in 1940. After his country called in 1942, George served in the Pacific Theater, stationed in New Britain, New Guinea and the Philippines as a Pharmacy Technician with an Army hospital unit. Discharged in 1946, he resumed his work with the Conservation Department. While stationed in Black River Falls, he met his precious Margie Hagen; the two were married in Athens on August 17, 1948 and were inseparable for more than 61 years. After a few years "on the road," while George did wildlife project studies and purchased land for wildlife areas, the couple settled in Black River Falls, where their children were born and where George was the districts Wildlife Biologist. A promotion in 1964 led the family to Madison and Cross Plains. George gave up life in the field for the responsibilities of co-ordinating the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources big game program, including the annual deer hunt. He was later Co-ordinator of Federal Aid, Fish and Wildlife Funds before retiring in 1977. Active in St. Francis Xavier parish from the start, George served on the Building & Grounds committee for many years. He also sat on the Cross Plains Library Board and Police Commission. Writer, poet, outdoorsman and lifelong learner, Georges retirement was active and long, highlighted by many Canadian fishing trips, visits to his widespread children, hunting, gardening and living a joy-filled life with his Margie. Even after his advancing years prevented the trips up north, rare was the local pond or stream that didnt taste his fishing line. The trove of his articles and stories, many published, will keep George close to us always.The family thanks the nurses and staff at Heartland Country Village, Black Earth, Terri Patwell of the Dean Clinic, and Father Thomas Kelley and Sister John Rose of St Francis Xavier parish. Special appreciation to niece Kathryn Hartman and husband Allen Holzheuter for their affection and care over so many years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Francis Xavier Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:30 on Monday January 11 with Msgr. Gerard Healy presiding. Visitation will be in the church from 9:00 until the time of the service. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends are asked to remember George by donating to the St Francis Xavier Endowment Fund, the Cross Plains Library or to an environmental or wildlife cause of their choice Memorials: Flowers gratefully declined. Friends are asked to remember George by donating to the St Francis Xavier Endowment Fund, the Cross Plains Library or to an environmental or wildlife cause of their choice Visitation: Visitation will be in the church from 9:00 until the time of the service on Monday. January 11, 2010 Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Francis Xavier Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:30 on Monday January 11, 2010with Msgr. Gerard Healy presiding.