Harold Eugene Hartman

        Harold was born at home to Harry and Anna Hartman right here in Howard Co.  After some uneasy debate, his parents chose to empty their savings and put a down payment on the family farm.  Within a short time thereafter, the bank closed and the Great Depression began.  His dad often mused the purchase decision was the best one he ever made. 

        When Harold was in his eighties a friend asked how long he had been farming.  His reply: “80+ years.  Back in the day even 4 year olds had to weed the garden.”  He often had to harness up the horses first thing in the morning and was very pleased when tractors became a part of the farm machinery.  Once shut off, the tractors did not eat profits nor run to the back forty.  The birth of his sisters brought thankfulness since they were then assigned the house duties and meal prep.  He was wise enough not to complain about the meals someone else took the pains to prepare. 

        His high school year book has a notation citing him as the one least likely to marry.  (He was always a better listener than talker.)  He one time recounted a blind date a buddy at Purdue arranged.   The ‘blind’ would not even allow Harold to sit next to her that whole evening.  It was Missionary Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church that brought Eleonore Kobie into the picture.  From that day forward, everyone in the small church knew what the future would be.  Those two young people stood on the church steps the whole afternoon visiting.  They stood so long that Eleonore was sick from severe sunburn for several days following.  Harold recounted years later that Eleonore was ‘so easy to talk with.’  Eleonore was visiting relatives in the area intending as well to visit an uncle in Denver before heading back to Germany where her mom and dad lived.  They never made it to Denver until they had five children in tow. 

         Shortly after marriage, Harold was drafted into the army.  As boot camp wound down, the inquiry concerning ‘special talents’ arose.  Harold declared he could speak German.  That comment sent him to Germany while the rest of his platoon went to Korea.  Eleonore and their first born son joined Harold for part of his Germany assignment.  Eleonore returned to Kokomo in time for their second son’s birth.  While they were in Germany, Harold was assigned to drive his commanding officer to and from the base each day since the commander had off base housing.  Harold and Eleonore did the same allowing free weekends to explore the countryside.  Eleonore often stated she saw more of her homeland because of the US Army than ever before.  While Harold and Eleonore were in Germany, Eleonore’s parents immigrated to the US.  Harry and Anna Hartman stepped up to the challenge of welcoming newcomers with a limited English vocabulary.  Fortunately this dependency turned into a good friendship.  When Harold and Eleonore returned, the family structure thrived.

        Once back at the farm, the family grew to include two boys and three girls.  Poultry production thrived until the local hatchery shut down.  The herd of Herefords were also a joy until the cropland became more valuable than pasture.  Swine production morphed into confinement operations allowing for the production of healthier hogs.  Harold also took on the task of the Northwestern school board for a number of years.  He attained a private pilot’s license and was working on an instrument license when his appendix burst while flying home from Purdue.  Because he was utilizing the Grissom radar, the authorities knew a search was needed.  The plane went down in the woods before the runway.  The two mature trees on either side removed the wings and thus the gas tanks.  The sapling lowered the fuselage to the ground.  The searchers arrived minutes after Harold regained consciousness so fear was not an issue.  16 days later, Harold was home from the hospital.  Through the years other hospital stays evolved:  two hip replacements, heart valve replacement, and prolonged blood thinner therapy due to the valve.  At each of these stays the nurses always proclaimed him to be a ‘sweet guy’.  Wonder why it was thought he would never marry.

         Harold is survived by an older brother, Leonard, and a younger sister, Marilyn.  Five children also survive:  Detlef (Pam, Shayla), Arlen (Shirley, Erik, Kyle, Dylan, Shelby, Hannah), Karin, Doris (Kevin, Christopher, Lora), Kristin (Sharlene).   Six of the grand children have married creating the blessing of nine great-grandchildren.  Thank you, Lord, for the blessings.

            A memorial service celebrating Harold’s victory over death will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, with Pastor Carl Hingst officiating.  Burial will follow in North Union Cemetery in western Howard County with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Greentown American Legion Post..  Following the burial the family invites friends to Join them at the Hartman Farm for a Celebration of Life Gathering from 12:30 pm until dark. Contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to Redeemer Lutheran School, 705 Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, IN 46902.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com

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