Ed Hartman left this earth on March 28, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior as well as the family and friends that went before him. Ed was born Edward Albert Hartman, December 18th, 1937 to Joseph Antone Heinrich Hartman and Anna Elisabeth Guderjahn Hartman in Boulder Mt. He was the youngest of four, with three older sisters Anneliese, Alvina and Helen.
After graduating from Helena High School in 1955, Ed joined the Army and served his country. While serving overseas during the cold war he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning he went to work at Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph where he would enjoy a 35-year career with the Phone Company – starting as a janitor and ending in upper-level management. He was loved by all he worked with and took many of the friendships he formed there into the last days of his life. While working for the Phone Company, Ed met Patricia L. Fornfeist and they were married April 11, 1964, enjoying just short of 57 years of marriage. Their marriage produced two children, Tanya Lee and Joseph Antone. As well as five grandchildren, Kaytlyn and Keagan Shearer, Brandon, Kennedy and Makayla Hartman.
When Ed was not working or spending time with Pat and the family, he was volunteering and was very active with the German Lutheran Church and various organizations such as the Telephone Pioneers and Westmont. Ed had many friends, and their bonds ran deep. His absence at the table for their coffee dates and daily and weekly phone calls will leave a very big void.
Ed and his sisters Alvina and Helen were fortunate to connect with two half-brothers and a nephew they had not met before who lived in Germany. They made two trips to meet them and especially enjoyed their nephew Rudiger, wife Rosie and daughter Sandra’s visit to Montana.
Ed is proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Anneliese Swanson and Helen Murray, brothers-in-law Andy Swanson and Roger Murray, Father-in-Law, Fred Fornfeist and Matt Weingart Sr., and Mother-in-Law Charlotte Weingart. He leaves behind his widow Pat Fornfeist Hartman, daughter Tanya L. Hartman (Rob Gilbert), son Joseph A. Hartman (Carla) and 5 grandchildren Kaytlyn and Keagan Shearer, Brandon, Kennedy, and Makayla Hartman. His sister Alvina and brother-in-law Ed Blank. Brother-in-law Ralph Fornfeist, John Fornfeist and Matt Weingart Jr. Treasured nieces and nephews and more friends than most people will ever have as acquaintances. Ed’s passing will touch many lives and leave a space that cannot be filled.
The family would like to thank Dr Hill and the nurses of St Peter’s Cancer Center and the amazing staff of St Peter’s Hospice for all their care and support in the care of Ed these past few weeks.
Memorials in his honor can be sent to First Lutheran Church or Hospice of St Peter’s.
A memorial service will be held on Friday April 23rd at 1:00p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Helena 2231 E Broadway St, Helena, MT 59601, followed by internment at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery 1900 Heroes Road, Helena, MT 59602. We will return to First Lutheran Church for a reception and the sharing of our wonderful memories of Ed.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday April 23, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:30 p.m.
Friday April 23, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Heroes Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the interment
Friday April 23, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday April 23, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:30 p.m.
Friday April 23, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Heroes Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the interment
Friday April 23, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Steve Koester says
Hartman family I to am sad at the passing of Ed. He had a good life on earth and this next journey should be just as good. He was one of my favorite adult friends. I will miss our conversations and e mail jokes. I will see you soon Ed, but not to soon.
Jack Weiser says
I have visited with Ed numerous times when I returned to Helena from Oregon. As usual, he was friendly and enjoyable as he was as a classmate at Helena High School. My sincere sympathies to the Hartman family.
Gracie Cooper says
I’ll miss Eddy! We sat by each other, in our classrooms, from 2nd grade to Sr. year English class. He always was a dear friend. I’ll miss phone calls with lots of laughter. Peace be with your family.
Bob DenHerder says
Ed now what are we going to do with all those Brauts. You where there for our phone systems and of course advise The tailgates will never be the same. Proud to call you friend. RIP
Wendie Fredrickson says
Joe and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope all the wonderful memories will help easy your sorrow.
Donna Fischer says
When I first met Ed he was Grandpa to Keegan. Then he started coming to visit me when he was fixing phone for First Lutheran School. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or two. The last place was at St. Pete’s exercise class. I so enjoyed seeing him every time I went. I also enjoyed when Pat would come. We talked about our gardens and tried to never talk politics!!!! I will miss him as that guy who always had a hiya. God’s peace be with his family at this time. Donna Fischer-retired teacher at First Lutheran
Tracie Reddig says
Oh what a guy! I surely enjoyed being Ed’s Hygienist back in the years of Dr. Becks office ! Always was happy to see him on my schedule! Loved hearing all his stories! Glad that our paths crossed in life…. he left a mark on those who knee him! RIP Mr. Ed! Thanks for all the smiles 😁. And to all of Ed’s family ….. I am so sorry for your loss xoxo♥️