Donald Hartmann

Visitation: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City

Family to Receive Friends: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City

Funeral Service: Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City.

Graveside Service: Custer County Cemetery

Donald Hartmann, age 79, of Miles City passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 18, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with Lou Gehrigs disease.

Don was born on July 14, 1930 in Denver, Colorado to Charles and Irene (Levand) Hartmann. He has a brother, Paul and a sister, Charlotte. During the summers growing up, he spent a lot of time on the ranch in Colorado with his aunt and uncle, Foster and Evelyn Evans and later at the ranch in Montana. In the summer of 1951, he and Eleanor Sward were united in Marriage in Denver, Colorado after which they started a long life together in Montana. In December, 1953 a daughter Vickie was born, and then in October, 1957 a son Wyatt joined the family.

Don was involved in many things during his life. He served on the school board at Riverview School while his children attended grade school. He was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge and Past Worthy Master. From 1977 1980 he was on the Landowner/Sportsman Advisory Council to which he was appointed by Governor Tom Judge, and was recognized by the Fish and Game Commission for his contributions to the council. Don served 31 years on the Eastern Montana Fair Board. In 1977 he was President of the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs and in 1988 was Rocky Mountain Fair Person of the Year. He thoroughly enjoyed all his involvement with 4-H and the fairs over the years. Don also served for several years on the Bucking Horse Board of Governors. Over the years, he acquired a large collection of Ruger No. 1s and put together several large cartridge boards. He was an avid hunter and sportsman, and later in life enjoyed cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean.

For many years, Don enjoyed his morning get-togethers at Red Rock Sporting Goods, reminiscing about the one that got away. He thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and loved the lights! Don dearly loved his family and grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud of. Everyone elses needs always came first. Don was a proud and active member of the Presbyterian Church and enjoyed taking care of the church planters for the past two years.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor and also his son, Wyatt (Tonya) Hartmann of Butte, MT and daughter Vickie (Dave) Gunderson of Colstrip, MT. His grandchildren include Ash and Derrick Hartmann both of Denver, CO, Clay Gunderson of San Diego, CA and Cara (David) Benson of Billings and a great grandson Trustan Benson and step granddaughter Katerina Lyman of Butte, MT.