Jack F. Hartman, 90, formerly of Elkhart Indiana, passed peacefully Monday morning, Feb. 27, 2023, in his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. His wife of 65 years, Patricia and 2 of their 7 children were by his side. His oldest son, Patrick and Julie whose professions as a medical doctor and nurse respectively, both retired 5 years ago and chose to live and care for our parents we are deeply grateful for their time and kindness. Jack was born on Nov. 27, 1932 at home in Elkhart Indiana to Louis E. Hartman and Ella Catherine Zimmerle.

Jack showed early talents for mechanics and carpentry. He built a trolley car on rails that started at his parent's roof and ended at the St. Joseph River. He also owned an airplane with his brother and dad and took flight lessons. He served in the Korean War where he advanced in rank to motor pool Sergeant. Upon return, he was offered an engineering scholarship to Purdue but instead chose a career in tool and die where he quickly rose to foreman and was often consulted on special projects at automobile assembly lines tooling plants. He built their first home and 12 other homes mainly by himself (as time went on his children helped him and learned some of his skills). He taught himself how to do electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall and roofing and could repair just about anything. He was literally a "Jack of all trades". Jack was known to always go out of his way to help any friends, family or neighbor who needed anything repaired.

Oct. 20, 1956, Jack and Patricia Ann Rust, also of Elkhart, Indiana, were married, in St. Vincent's Church. She survives along with their seven children Patrick (Julie Corman Baum), Jackie (Rich) Niblock, Matt, Marc (Claire), Chris, Greg (Jessica Viramontes), Claire (Chris) Haag. He is also survived by grandchildren Kyle Corman and his daughter Katie Jo, Zachary Corman; daughter Abriella and Adaline, Dillan Baum; Mallory Welch; Merrill (Doug) Harvey and their children; Penelope, Kennedy and Caroline, Mandy (Joe) Reed and their children Charlie and Johnny; Angie (Shaun) Minger and their children Kade, Kinsley and Adley; Meg (Kyle) Rimer and their children Emerson, Avery and Eliza, Chase (Jessica) Niblock and daughter Mela; lan (Gabrianna) Hartman; Kaitlyn (Cayla Coy) Hartman; Luke Hartman; Aaron (Sarah) Haag and son Bodie; Jeff (Tuyen) Haag and their children Emerson and Jack; and Jon Haag. Also surviving his brother Charles (Carolyn) Hartman.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Donald Hartman, Lorraine Lytell, Shirley LeMere and Margory Ravenscroft.

Jack enjoyed teaching his kids the tools of his trades, fishing with his friends and family, water skiing, euchre, and helping friends and family repair household items and homes. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Elkhart and helped with fund raising events and was a Boy Scout leader. After retirement from the tool and die trade, Jack continued to build and repair homes in his new retirement state of Florida. He enjoyed his grandchildren and was often seen at their school and sporting events. His positive attitude, laugh and generosity will stay fondly in our memories.

A celebration of life will be held for family at a future date. We would love to hear a story about Jack, if you would like to share in the online condolences link via Billings Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are kindly suggested for the Parkinson's Foundation.

Parkinson's Foundation
200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami FL 33131
Tel: 1-800-473-4636
Email: contact@parkinson.org
Web: https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help