Vigil Service:
David Ross Hartman, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on May 14, 2024, in Rosebud County, doing what he loved. He was born in Miles City, Montana on December 10, 1958, to Frank and Betty Hartman. He was raised and lived on the family farm located in the Yellowstone River Valley until his death.
David, known to many as “Dave,” started grade school in a one room schoolhouse walking distance from his childhood home. He then attended Sacred Heart School in Miles City, until transferring to Rosebud County High for the remainder of his education. Throughout his life he was a strong supporter of Sacred Heart School, from where his children graduated, and grandchildren currently attend.
In 1985, Dave pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. Dubbed the “taildragger wizard” by his instructor, Dave soloed in a Piper Super Cub after only 3 hours of training. Aspiring to turn his passion for flying into a career, Dave began hunting coyotes and selling pelts. Although he never stopped participating in predator control, aerial application later became his main professional pursuit. Through these and other avenues within aviation, Dave logged over 26,000 hours with the majority spent below the height of a cottonwood tree. In his later flying career, Dave became passionate and skilled in rebuilding damaged airplanes, and especially took great pride in making Super Cubs into good performers.
Dave’s journey into fatherhood began in May 1987 with the birth of his oldest son, Ross, who required life-flight to Denver Children’s after being born prematurely. Shortly after Ross’ recovery, Dave’s family grew with the birth of Matthew and Jennifer. Thereafter, in May of 2011, Dave married the love of his life, Tina Hartman. Through this marriage, Dave welcomed two more sons, Blase and Jordan, into his family. Dave and Tina’s union was a source of strength and joy for both, and their bond was a testament to enduring love and commitment.
David was a loving spouse, father, brother, and friend. He was especially proud of his eleven grandchildren (one on the way) to whom he was known simply as “Papa.” Our hearts ache from losing him. The loss would be unbearable, save for the hope and promise that this world is not our home. One day we will again see his face and hear his chuckle.
Dave was a simple man with practical taste. When asked by his family members about his end of life wishes, Dave requested “turn me out to pasture so the coyotes can finally have their revenge.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Betty Hartman, as well as his beloved sister, Janice, and brother, Paul. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Tina Hartman, and his children: Ross (Teri) Hartman, Matthew (Kristin) Hartman, Jennifer (Trevor) Willis, Blase (Johnna) Roskelley, Jordan (Kendrah) Mackey. He is also survived by his siblings: Arla Jeanne (Bill) Murray, Junelle (Jeff) Lesmeister, Frank (Janis) Hartman, Leila Larson, and Mary (Bob) Wiesner.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a Rosary & Vigil service at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service to honor and celebrate David’s life will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on North Montana Avenue in Miles City, Montana. In lieu of flowers, drop a 5/16 socket in a wheat field, because, of course, we were always “responsible” for losing his tools.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 24, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 24, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Amy LaPierre says
My condolences to the Hartman family. I’m so sorry for this loss… such a tragedy. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Grutkowski says
Dave was one of those special people you just couldn’t help but like. He had such a great personality, huge smile and big heart. My sincere condolences to all of Dave’s family. You will be in my prayers.
al Homme says
Good bye Dave we had great time’s hunting Geese with you, thank you.
Willard unruh says
We are so sorry for the loss of Dave. He will be missed.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Mary, Frank & Jan, Arla Jean, and families, I am so sorry! Hold your memories close, and know you’ll see him again. My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy says
To all of David’s family, sorry to hear of your loss. I was so glad to talk with David at Trenton and Brees wedding. Tammy Luhman
Mary Ann Murray says
Thinking of Dave’s family at this time. Memories are precious and comforting as his life is celebrated. Prayers for all.
Kevin Donnelly says
Dave will be missed by many. He was one of a kind.
A good person at heart. Will miss talking to him.
Not to many dull moments with Dave. May God be with him and family. Hard to believe that he isn’t around. Such a tragedy but Heaven gained a truly good soul.
Kevin Donnelly
Jody & Brad Haidle and family says
We are so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We appreciate all the work that Dave has done for us over the years!!!! Brad and Dave had become good friends! Our prayers for all of the family as you navigate these tough days. I have some amazing video of Dave flying over our farm.
Karen L Taylor says
Our Thoughts, Hugs and Prayers are with the Families and Friends. Dave was one special person to so many people. He will be Fondly Remembered by our Families. Rest In Peace Friend.
Paula Ehrmantraut says
Dave was a true “papa” and my heart aches for all the family and my grandchildren who adored and loved Papa Dave. His kids, grandkids and family of Tina will forever miss you. I know that in your special way you will be flying and waving to all of us and shining down from the sky everywhere we look. Miss and love you Dave.
Barb and Jim Nelstead says
So sorry to hear this. I have known David and the Hartman family since I was a child. Our thoughts and prayers go out for David and the entire Hartman family. Rest in peace David.
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry to the Hartman family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Greg Blind and Audrey Haumschild says
Sending prayers to the Hartman family. So sorry for your loss.
John Pachl says
My sincere condolences to the family. You’re in my prayers.
Donald Bundy says
Hartman family, so sorry for your loss your family will be in our thoughts and prayers
Erlinda E Feaselman (Daniel’s aunt) says
My condolences to all of the Hartman families. May God Bless all of you at this very painful time ❤️🙏
Brenda Potts says
Mary and the Hartman family
Praying for the unity of strength during such a difficult time
Dean Nordsving says
My deepest sympathy to the Hartmann
You’ll always be in my heart
John Rieger and Family says
To all of Dave’s Family,
Our sincere condolences. We will miss Dave. He was for sure one of a kind. He helped build the plane I fly.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Stabler Hazel says
To all of Dave’s family. My condolences to you. Dave was one of “my kids” in high school. May God’s grace give you peace.
Kaitlyn Perkins says
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts are with your family.
Annette Sloan Bossert says
Arla and Hartman Family,
As you grieve, know that I am remembering you and your family and honoring the memory of Dave who was loved and respected by all. May God grant Dave eternal rest. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Tab Fleming says
Our deepest condolences to all of the Hartman families for the loss of Dave. He was a wonderful person.
Janet Klein says
Life is always so uncertain, but we do things we love to sustain what are needs and wants are. Dave was doing what his needs and wants were that day. May he rest in peace. Tina, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Richard Bonine says
This is sad news. Dave was in our 4H club. One of his projects was aviation. We went on a tour of the FAA “tower” at the airport. Flying was something he loved. He was a great person who will be missed. My condolences to the family. I wish you peace and comfort in this trying time.
Dan Dinardi Miles city says
Known Dave for a lot of years and also the rest of the family,he was a good person
Linda says
So sad to hear this and can’t imagine the pain
of losing your brother and his family’s heartbreak. Only our Lotd knows and his promise is real. David is in the arms of our Lord and I feel in my heart he is looking down on this out pour of love for him as he is showering you with his. Sending love and prayers to all of the families. Cousin Linda & Bill (California)
David Branstetter says
So sorry to hear about David passing. Me and David share the same name. Wishing the family peace and love though this difficult time.
Cousin David Branstetter
Maureen Larson says
Dear Hartman family – so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. May you all feel God’s comfort during this difficult time.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Dave was always a fun guy to be around and he is going to be missed. May his family be comforted remembering the smiling Dave.
Jim Nealey says
I am deeply saddened by the news. Condolences to the Hartman family. I also have a super cub. I flew with Dave multiple times. His flying advise to me has helped keep me alive for the last 21 years.
Steve Eaton says
Dave will be sorely missed. Very, very fond memories of our time together with Dave and all the flying gang. May God comfort the entire family. You will be in my heart and prayers.
Mike and Linda Niedge and family. says
Frank, Jan and family, holding you all in our hearts
and prayers during this horrible tragedy.
Our deepest condolences
Tracee L RAYMOND says
I’m so very sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. My condolences goes out to the entire Hartman family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
So very sad to read this. Sending prayers and condolences to the Hartman Families.
Thomas E Masa says
My thoughts and prayers to the Hartman family,
Thomas E Masa says
Frank Jan and Family
My thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Geneal Bott says
Family and friends our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the passing of Dave. He’s been a good friend since high school. Had his older children in class and FFA. Dave was always there to help. We have many great memories.
Archie & Bonnie LaRoque says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the Hartman Family.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your families.
Vera Liebert says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I am so very sorry for your loss. He was always a very kind hearted man and pleasant to talk to when he bought aircraft parts.
Vera Liebert says
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family and I am so very sorry for your loss. He was always a very kind hearted man and pleasant to talk to when he bought aircraft parts.
Josh Rohloff says
That 5/16 thing got me…much love and prayers to all family and friends. Consider a socket in a wheat field done.
Craig and Jerianne Dunnam says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hartman Family, I always smile when I think of Dave, you couldn’t help but like him. Rest in Peace Dave.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Tina & Family and All the Hartman Families
I am so very sorry for the loss of Dave. He was a kind hearted man with a heart of gold and always had a big smile on his face and ready to help anyone. He will be truly and sorely missed by All who knew and Loved him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Dave will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kurt Cadlo says
So very sorry to hear about Dave. My sincere condolences to his family. You will all be in my prayers.
Drew & Marni Gaskill says
Dave was truly one of a kind! We’ll miss his stories. Our condolences to the entire Hartman family.
Ray S says
I never knew or met you Dave but we shared the same passion for flight … Godspeed and my deepest condolences to all of your beautiful family, may the good Lord hold all of them close and tight and ease their loss.
Nicole Minkoff says
My deepest sympathies, much love and prayers.🙏❤
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Our sincere condolences to all of Dave’s family during this sad time. Sure will miss that big smile and our great visits over the years!
Sandi Bruce says
Condolences to all of Dave’s family. You will be in my prayers.
Dave says
Dave Hartmann’s family. Life is a special blessing. Enjoy the memories thst you have of him. I have been friends for 40 years. Every time I saw him he had smile on his face. I will remember this about him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, brothers and sister, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. From Jody and Dave Smith and family!!
Dave says
Dave Hartmann’s family. Life is a special blessing. Enjoy the memories that you have of him. I have been friends for 40 years. Every time I saw him he had smile on his face. I will remember this about him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, brothers and sister, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. From Jody and Dave Smith and family!!
Sharon Gaughan says
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My deepest sympathies to the family. And sending you much love, Mary.
Rich Ziesmer says
Dave was only 2 days away from finishing my Dad’s Supercub, his work was great, hard to understand what happened.
Rich Ziesmer