Bernard Francis "Bernie" Hartman

Bernard “Bernie” Hartman, 86, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Lake Region Health Care.

Bernie Francis Hartman was born December 4, 1929, to Francis and Monica (Czech) Hartman in Minneapolis. He was the oldest child and only son followed by five sisters.

Bernie graduated from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis in 1948. In 1951 Bernie was drafted into the Army and served initially in the Korean War. Throughout his military career he re-enlisted twice serving also in the Vietnam War until his final honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sgt. Following his military service, he began his career in electrical work. He was a VFW life member of Post #612.

On May 8, 1972, he married Lois Karsten at St. Helena’s Catholic Church in South Minneapolis and moved to Fergus Falls in early 1977. He attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin. He became a licensed chemical dependency counselor and joined Ottertail County, Dept. of Social Services where he retired in August 1991. Bernie and Lois opened their home to numerous foster children through the P.A.T.H. Foster Care Program for almost 20 years. Bernie loved animals and had a 4.5 acre-country place that he and Lois completely remodeled over a 15-year period.

Bernie enjoyed working as a driver for Nelson Ford for almost ten years then drove veterans to various veteran hospitals as a DAV Volunteer Driver for Ottertail County Veterans Office until Lois’ health required him to be at home and help her through her illness. He spent the last six months of her life in loving, constant care for her along with hospice and close friends.

He enjoyed his collection of spiritual music and videos. He loved to listen to the word of the Lord, but readily admitted to being a “Sinner saved by grace”. Bernie loved working with the Foster Grandparents Program in the Underwood School district, helping the children read and do math. He loved the children and wonderful staff. Bernie enjoyed his last two months at his apartment at Park Gardens.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, his parents and four of his sisters.

Survivors include 2 step-children, Sheree Ku and Scott Erickson of Aloha, Oregon; a foster son, Jerry Garetson, of Minneapolis; a sister, Colette Johnson of Coon Rapids; 2 sister-in-laws,
Linda (Arden) Niemi and Janice Porter; plus, many nieces, nephews and special friends.

Visitation: One hour prior to service at the church.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Woodland Baptist Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Pastor Bill Lobb
Interment: Ada City Cemetery in Ada, MN
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN