Frederick William Hartman, Jr.

Frederick William Hartman, Jr., 67, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Thanksgiving day, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Martin City.

He was born June 18, 1937 in Saginaw, Mich. to Frederick William Hartman, Sr. and Orra Mae (Heil) Hartman. He was raised in Midland, Mich. and moved to his parents' cherry orchard on the east lake shore of Flathead Lake in 1976. In 1989 he moved to Martin City to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Tom Church and he loved spending his winters in Arizona. As a boy he was active in Boy Scouts, a bowling team, and loved working in their orchard picking cherries and apples. Freddie loved the outdoors and his trip into the Bob Marshall on horseback with his dad. He enjoyed fishing any chance he got. He also enjoyed sporting events. He could often be seen at football, baseball, and basketball games. Freddie's biggest joy was meeting people and shaking their hand. He always had a smile and never forgot a name. He worked for Flathead Industries in Columbia Falls with his brother, Richard, for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mae Hartman; his nephew and his brother-in-law, Tom Church. Freddie is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Church; his brother and best friend, Richard Hartman; his nephew and family, Louis, Suzanne, Lori, Emily, and Danny Church; his niece's and families, Carma, John and Billy Johnson and Brandi and Chris Sinerius; and Cathy, Mike, and Shelby Nash and Tommy Church. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and was an inspiration to us all. Thank you to everyone who came by, called, and sent cards, postcards, and letters from all over the country during his illness. It meant a great deal to him to know so many people cared about him. Freddie's memorial service will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Canyon Community Church in Coram. There will be a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. in the Ed building next to the church preceding the service.

Memorials can be made in Freddie's name to Flathead Industries of Columbia Falls, P.O. Box 1446, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, #100, Kalispell, MT 59901.