Richard Dean “Dick” Hartman was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa on July 7, 1931 to George Walter Hartman and Letha Marjorie (Latch) Hartman. He was raised on the family farm in Iowa. Two days following his 17th birthday, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He began service as a Seaman Apprentice and worked his way up to Chief Petty Officer. His E-8 billet was frozen and Dick was recommended for Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an Ensign. After serving his country for 30 years, he retired on January 30, 1978 as a Lieutenant Commander.

Dick was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, did three tours in Vietnam, and two in the Philippines along with assignments in Florida, California, Tennessee, and Whidbey Island. He served aboard the USS Enterprise and the USS Constellation.

Dick married Helen Lease on July 3, 1954 in Hernando, Mississippi. Dick was transferred to Oak Harbor in 1960 and decided to make the Island his permanent home.

Following retirement, Dick and Helen traveled the U.S. for two years and then began spending their winters in Arizona. Mesa was home for five years and then Yuma for the next ten. They wore out three fifth wheel campers and five trucks traveling the country. Dick also spent ten years driving school bus for the Oak Harbor School District. Dick also attended Skagit Valley College after retirement, and was the student body president for one year.

Dick was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus John E. O’Brien Council #3361 of Oak Harbor, the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead Muzzall Post 7392 of Oak Harbor. Since 1955 he also enjoyed being an amateur radio operator (call signs K7QQF) and manned the Navy Mars Station, (NNN0AVK).

Dick is survived by five children: Penelope (Eric) Geisler of Anchorage, AK; Teresa (Thomas) Schmalz of Boise, ID; George (Vicki) Hartman of Coupeville, WA; Cynthia (Ralph) Sandlin of Faucett, MO; and Joseph (Lilas) Hartman of Tacoma, WA. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Neil Geisler; Karl (Josi) Geisler; Joseph and Daniel Schmalz, Joel, Lara and Kacie (Ron) Sisel; Nicolas and Ryan (Linda) Shawaluk, Emma, Luke and Lucy Hartman and three great-grandchildren; Isabella, Ryan, Jr. and Jeremiah Shawaluk.

In addition siblings William Hartman of Georgetown, TX, Lyman Hartman of Ankeny, Iowa, Marilyn Crosser of Marshalltown, Iowa and Jane Hornung of Eldora, Iowa also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen and two sisters, Betty Wenner and Marjorie Hartman.

A special thank you is extended to the staff at Home Place for the loving care they provided to Dick. The family suggests donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western & Central Washington Chapter, North Tower, 100 W Harrison Street #N200, Seattle, WA 98119.

Rosary vigil will be Thursday, March 19th at 7:00 pm at Wallin Funeral Home. Funeral Mass for Dick will be celebrated on Friday, March 20 at 9:00 am at St Augustine Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Pluth, J.C.L presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Friends and family are invited to a reception at Wallin Funeral Home immediately following the Rite of Committal.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share memories or leave condolences please visit Dick’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.

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