Patrick Hartmann

Patrick J. Hartmann, 80, of Lacota, Michigan died Tuesday, October 19 at Bronson Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born November 19, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward and Catherine (Kolberg) Hartmann. He moved with his parents and siblings in March of 1944 to their blueberry farm north of Lacota Michigan. Pat and his father were true pioneers in the Blueberry industry. They worked together until his father retired in 1970. Pat owned and operated Hartmann's Plant Company with his son Danny and remained intensely interested and involved until his death. Pat had a non-stop interest and expertise in plant development. He traveled througout the U.S. and abroad giving horticulture seminars. He was active for many years as a board member of the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association. During his retirement he became an expert in his hobby of woodworking and stained glass. Pat enjoyed his winters in Bradenton, Florida where he had many friendships.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margie Hartmann, brother Tom Hartmann and sister-in-law Vilawan (John) Hartmann.
He is survived by four sons – Dan (Donna) Hartmann of South Haven, Patrick E. (Cindy) Hartmann of Lacota, Jim (Kathy) Hartmann of Watervliet, and Dennis (Shelly) Hartmann of South Haven. Two daughters – Patrice (Ivo Rabell) Hartmann of Grand Junction and Ann Hartmann (Norm Fouts) of South Haven. 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Nine siblings – Edward (Betty) Hartmann DDS of Kalamazoo, Rosemary (John) Nelson of South Haven, Dr. John Hartmann of Dekalb, Illinois, David (Bobbie) Hartmann of Spring Hill, Florida, Cathleen (Dick) Vanderveen of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Marie (Larry) Kozal of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dr. James Hartmann of Bocca Raton, Florida, Rita (Mike) Rajevic of Moraga, California and Elizabeth Kesseler of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Family and friends will gather at the Filbrandt Family Funeral home in South Haven from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Friday October 22, with a prayer service at 7:00. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 23 at 11:00 AM at St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or: In honor of Pat Hartmann’s contribution to the Blueberry industry, the family has established the Patrick J. Hartmann Pioneer Scholarship Fund. Memorial contributions to the fund can be made out to the “Patrick J. Hartmann Blueberry Pioneer Scholarship Fund” and sent to 4230 South Westnedge Suite 6 Kalamazoo, MI 49008.
Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.