Russell Hartman

Russell H. Hartman, 83, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Health Care Center on Friday and was reunited with his wife on her birthday, September 16th.The last chapter of his book has been read; now it’s time to close the book. Russ was born in Racine on January 9, 1928, the son of the late Soren and Rose (nee: Retzlaff)  Hartman.

Russ served his country as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War, from 1948 until1951, completing two tours of duty. On October 4, 1950, in St. Edward Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to the former Catherine M. Wust. She preceded him in death on June 17, 1995. Russ was a Master Electrician who owned and operated Fisher Electric for many years. He also owned Hartman Realty. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, a 50 year member of the IBEW Local #430, the National Electrical Contractors Association, Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, the North American Hunters Club, and a former member of the Moose Lodge. Russ was an expert baker; winning over 40 ribbons for his creations at the Racine County Fair. He shared his love of baking with everyone he met by giving away his homemade baked goods.

Surviving are his daughter, Suzanne (Michael) Cienkus, of Racine; grandchildren, Christopher Pierson and Nichole Pierson, both of Kenosha; brother, Earl Hartman, of Cody, WY; special cousin he loved as a son, Steve (Candace) Hartman, of Las Vegas, NV; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Tawater, in California. Russ is also survived by his nieces, nephews, other relatives, clients and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Marie Hartman.   

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 21^st, at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Gary Green officiating. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial with, full military honors, will be held in Graceland Cemetery on Thursday, September 22^nd at 2:00 p.m. The family has suggested memorials to The American Cancer Society or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.