Marlin Hartman

Marlin Fred Hartman, a devoted husband, proud veteran, and man of unwavering faith, died on June 26, 2025. He was 96 years old.

Marlin was born on September 16, 1928, on the family farm in Webster County, Nebraska, to George and Minnie (Kranau) Hartman. He was raised with strong values, hard work, and integrity. He was baptized into the Christian faith on October 28, 1928, at Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed there on May 11, 1941. He attended Country School District 74P, Trinity Lutheran School, and later graduated from Blue Hill High School. 

On May 17, 1951, Marlin answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He completed Military Police training at Camp Gordon, Georgia, on August 18, 1951, and served during the Korean War as a sergeant in the 57th Military Police Company. He was then honorably discharged on April 18, 1953, and remained forever proud of his service.

On April 24, 1954, Marlin married Ruth Joan Hahn. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and friendship. They were blessed with three children and recently celebrated 71 years of marriage—a remarkable milestone that reflected their deep love and commitment to one another. Marlin and Joan cherished their time together, especially evenings spent dancing and playing bingo at the VFW. He also dedicated many years to cooking and serving meals there, always enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans. Marlin valued the friendships he made throughout his life and held those lifelong connections close to his heart. 

Marlin farmed most of his life, finding fulfillment in working the land and honoring the legacy of his family’s roots. In addition to farming, he worked at Hastings Industries for over 30 years. After retiring from there, he realized he wasn’t one to sit still and went back to work at Husker Power, where he spent another 10 years. He officially retired at the age of 80.

Marlin was a man of quiet strength and deep devotion to his family and friends. He loved his wife Joan dearly and built a life grounded in service, humility, and love. His legacy of faith, hard work, and commitment to others will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Marlin was proceed in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and a great-great granddaughter.

Survivors include:
Wife: 
Joan Hartman 
Children and Spouses: 
Michele (William) Overy 
Michael (Connie) Hartman
Kim (Dennis) Henderson
Grandchildren and Spouses: 
Amy (William) Hermes
Elizabeth (Matthew) O’Brien
Erin Hartman 
Joshua (Meghan) Henderson 
Cassie (Travis) Allen 
Chelsey (Eric) Andrews
Chase (Jennifer) Henderson
Great-Grandchildren: 
20 
Great-Great-Grandchildren:
4

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Military Honor Guard will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Hastings Family YMCA. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Marlin’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page.