Donald Hartmann

Donald Gene Hartmann, 86, died Friday, December 13, 2013 at his home in Durango, Colorado. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango and private services will be held at a later date. Don was born April 9, 1927 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of George and Gladys (Larson) Hartmann. Don grew up and attended schools in Fergus Falls, Minn. He enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Valencia as a machinist mate. During this time, he married Phyllis Wright in Atlantic, Iowa and had two sons, Larry and Steve. In 1951, the family relocated to Sterling, Colorado, where Don worked for Rainbow Bread Co. They continued to Lamar, Colorado, in 1959, where he began his career as a General Agent with National Western Life. Don's wife Phyllis passed away in 1965 and he later married Rachel Gardiner. They relocated to Colorado Springs, where he established and operated three restaurants. In 1979 they moved to Durango, where he returned to the insurance business with Equitable Life and Casualty. Don enjoyed real estate, particularly improving and protecting the land. He is well known for his generosity, his sense of humor, and his willingness to help others. He is survived by Larry and Jeannette Hartmann (son) of Kalispell, MT, Steve and Tana Hartmann (son) of Fairbanks, AK, Leland and Kathleen Gardiner (step son) of Elizabeth, CO, Grandchildren: Amanda Hartmann of Fargo, ND, Matt Hartmann of Kalispell, MT, Joel Hartmann of Dayton, NV, Mahli Hartmann of Lincoln, NE, Stacy Hartmann of Pueblo, CO, Christopher Gardiner of Elizabeth, CO, Serena Gardiner of Seattle, WA, Terrence Gardiner of Green Bay, WI, Alesia Carello of Gwinn, MI, Lee Marietta of Mount Pleasant, MI, Deborah Gardiner of Salt Lake City, UT, Mark Krutzke of Littleton, CO, Joshua Gardiner of Longmont, CO, John Gardiner of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, numerous great­grandchildren, and Joan Snider (sister) of Turlock, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis, his second wife Rachel, and his step sons; John and Rick Gardiner.