Sara Hartman

Sara Ann Hartman, 80, long-time resident of northeast Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep November 4th, 2010 at her home in De Pere, Wisconsin. Sara was born to Paul & Mabel Keeney Weirich on May 12th, 1930 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and was an only child.

Sara grew up in Myerstown, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1948 from Myerstown High School. She received her undergraduate degree in History from Ursinis College (Collegeville, PA) in 1952 and then began her theological studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she was one of the first female students enrolled in the religious education degree program. During seminary, she met her future husband, Joel Hartman, and together they published the seminary's student newspaper. She received her Master of Religious Education degree in 1954.

Sara and Joel married May 22, 1954 and were called as co-pastors of the five-church United Church of Christ (UCC) parish in Freeburg, Pennsylvania. During this pastorate, her two oldest children (Tina & Frank) were born. In 1958, Sara and Joel were called to be co-pastors of St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Lititz, Pennsylvania. While in Lititz, Sara gave birth to her third and fourth children, Eric and Anita.

After eight years of serving parishes jointly with her husband, Sara was called as the minister of a four-church rural parish in central Pennsylvania in 1962. She gave birth to her youngest child, Elizabeth, in 1966. Sara served this central Pennsylvania parish until she and her family moved to central Missouri in 1968.

In 1969, Sara assumed the pastorate of Immanuel United Church of Christ in New Franklin, Missouri. In addition to her pastoral work at New Franklin, Sara was passionately involved in the community. Her many contributions to the New Franklin area included the development of senior citizens housing, aiding the Silver Liners with the establishment of the Senior Citizens' Center, participation with interfaith organizations, and her leadership role with the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging. She also participated in numerous health-related research studies.

Sara moved to northeast Wisconsin in 1984 where she ministered the two-church parish of Trinity & St. John's United Churches of Christ (located in rural Shiocton & Cecil, Wisconsin). This was her last parish before retiring from the ordained ministry in 2001, after 47 years of service. She remained a resident of northeast Wisconsin until her death. Most recently, she was a resident at the Renaissance Assisted Living Center in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Sara held a life-long passion for music, which she instilled in her children and incorporated in all facets of her life. In addition to her love of music, she delighted in cooking and baking for her family and others. She was known for her fresh baked bread, "sticky" buns, and funny cake pie (which came from her Pennsylvania Dutch roots). Sara was also an avid sports fan, as evidenced by her 50 years as a Sports Illustrated subscriber. She particularly enjoyed collegiate football and basketball, and was a fan of major league baseball since early childhood (with a special place in her heart for the St. Louis Cardinals). During the summers, her life's "ups and downs" were highly correlated with ERA and RBI statistics.

Sara followed her children's activities throughout their school years-music, sports, and the arts. She worked avidly with the youth groups in all her parishes. She was a crusader for the "underdog" and a supporter of education. She also liked to "push the envelope" on issues and invoke thoughts for discussion and debate.

Sara is survived by husband Joel Hartman of Tulsa, OK; daughters Kristina Hartman of Proctorville, OH, Anita Hartman (husband Ron McDowell) of Tulsa, OK, Elizabeth Delvaux (husband Paul Delvaux) of Green Bay, WI; daughter-in-law Nancy Burr of Las Cruces, NM; grandchildren Karen McDowell of Tulsa, OK, Isaac and Lara Zel Hartman of Las Cruces, NM, Julia and Olivia Delvaux of Green Bay, WI; sisters-in-law Lorie Luck (husband Karl Luck) of Ketchikan, AK and Bernice Eder of Newtown Square, PA; Jane Markert of Lebanon, PA; Lynnda Emery of Proctorville, OH; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sons Eric Hartman of Chicago, IL (and partner James Marks) and Frank Hartman of Las Cruces, NM.

Sara was a friend to all who knew her. Her religious vocation and service to the communities in which she lived will be remembered by all. She was known for her sharp tongue, voracious reading, her sense of humor, and her use of "props" during her church services. She will be missed.

A celebration of Sara's life will take place on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. at Union Congregational United Church of Christ, 716 S. Madison St., Green Bay, WI. Visitation hours will be held prior to the service from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either St. John Homeless Center or Heifer International (through Union Congregational UCC Heifer International's Living Gift Market):

St. John Homeless Shelter
P.O. Box 1743
Green Bay, WI 54305

Union Congregational UCC
Heifer Int'l Fund
716 S. Madison Street
Green Bay, WI 54301