Gerald, "Gerry," Arthur Hartmann passed away in his home on March 25th, 2024, after his short battle with cancer. Gerry was born on July 25th, 1937, to Arthur and Laura Hartmann, of Elgin, Illinois. He was the second born to his parents, of 4 children, the only boy. Gerry was a farm boy from birth, he lived and breathed agriculture – but his identity was much more than just farming. He was a father, a grandfather, great-grandfather, dear friend, and mentor to many.

In the 1940's Arthur and Laura relocated their family to Maple Park, IL. Gerry and his sisters were raised on the family farm where he worked alongside his father milking cows and growing crops. As a child, he enjoyed sports and was active in showing livestock in 4-H. He passed his love of showing livestock to his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren are now starting their journey in this beloved organization.

In 1955, after graduating from Maple Park Highschool, Gerry left the family farm to pursue a degree in agriculture at Iowa State University and was a brother at the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity House. The relationships he cultivated on campus lasted him a lifetime. Immediately after graduating from college, he married Nancy Jane Peffers, of Belle Plaine, Iowa. They moved back to Illinois to farm and begin their own family.

Gerry dedicated his life to agriculture and building a farming business to pass on to his children. Despite the demands of the business, he and Nancy made time for travel. They went on countless trips all over the world with the Farm Bureau where they immersed themselves in the agriculture of different countries. Vanderbilt Beach, Florida called to them each spring, where he enjoyed spending time relaxing and fishing with family.

Snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting were cherished hobbies and led to many trips to the North Woods of Wisconsin – another tradition passed on to subsequent generations. Many of the family's most fond memories of Gerry are based at their home in St. Germain. Gerry also enjoyed golfing and formed a four-couple golf group of hog farmers that played together for more than 20 years.

Gerry's dog, Tiffany, held a special place in his heart. Every evening, they went on a "walk-a-about" in the woods.

While Hartmann Farms and his family were Gerry's greatest legacy, he achieved Illinois Master Farmer, and the Gerald Hartmann Family was awarded Illinois Pork Producer Family of the Year. He also devoted years of service to his community as the Financial Secretary for St. John's Lutheran Church, Cortland Township Trustee and a member of the Maple Park Fire Board and Pork Producers Board.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Laura Hartmann, his sister Janet Hartmann, son Jeffrey Hartmann, brother-in-laws James Turk and Charles Baldridge.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy (Peffers) Hartmann; his sisters Marlene Turk and Linda Baldridge; his children Doug and Cathy (Straka) Hartmann, Andrea Thurwanger (Tony), and daughter-in-law Sari (Huftalin) Hartmann. His 6 grandchildren, Dan Hartmann (Ashley), Noel Fabian (Michael), Holly Sellers (Logan), Brice Hartmann (Tuli), Christian Thurwanger, and Rachel Thurwanger (Jacob). He was also blessed with 7 great-grandchildren: Arthur, Oliver, Layla, Clark, Kalman, Vaughn, and Arlo.

A visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home (310 Oak St, DeKalb, IL) on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4pm -7pm. Funeral services will be held at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John (26555 Brickville Rd, Sycamore IL), on Thursday, April 4th at 10 am with burial to follow at Ohio Grove Cemetery (14923 Barber Greene Rd, Sycamore, IL).

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Stained-Glass Fund at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.