Robert L. "Gabby" Hartman, 72, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at St. Catherine’s Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kenosha on August 28, 1937, he was the son of the late Herman and Irene (Schloemer) Hartman. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. On February 14, 1959, he married Audrey Johnson at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church. After graduation from High School, he signed a contract to play professional baseball with the Milwaukee Braves. From 1955 until 1963 he played with the Milwaukee Braves, Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics. He later became the Program and Sports Director for PYC/CYC, spanning over 20 years. During that time, Bob founded the Little Guys & Little Gals Sports Programs which still exist today. In the early 1970’s, Bob served 6 years for the community as the Clerk of Circuit Courts. He later worked at Community Impact Youth Programs until his retirement. Bob was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Assoc., the Danish Brotherhood, President of the Greater Kenosha Youth Baseball and Softball Assoc., and the WI & American Diabetes Assoc. Bob was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, former member of the Western Kiwanis of Kenosha, the Old Timers Baseball Club, and Past President of the Local Diabetes Association. Bob was the biggest, lifelong Boston Celtics fan. He enjoyed watching The Kentucky Derby from his clubhouse seats of more than 50 years. He was a huge fan of Whitewater Warhawk Football, Bradford Baseball & Softball, and Kenosha Cyclones. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and he loved to take spontaneous trips throughout Wisconsin. Bob loved New Orleans, music, dancing and especially spending time with his grandchildren and attending their various activities. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Audrey; three daughters, Christine (Steve) Allemand, Suzanne (Dave) Walker, and Allyson (Randy) Barnes, all of Kenosha; and his six grandchildren, Nathan, Logan, Chelsey, Makenzie, Bradley and Trevor. He was preceded in death by a brother, Norman Hartman. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 21st, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Bob’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Rhonda Payne-O'Connor
Dear Audrey,I was so sorry to hear about Bob. Know that we are lifting you and your family up in prayer.Much sympathy,Rhonda, Jeff, and Kaitlyn O'Connor
Tom and Vikki Johnson/Wendlin
Our deepest condolences to your entire family at this time. I feel your loss and put you all in our prayers.Tom and Vikki Johnson / Wendling
Anonymous
In memory of Bob and his long fight with Diabetes. I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Bobbi
Julie (LaCombe) HIrd
June 30, 2010
Dear Audry and family, I was saddened to learn of Bob's death from my niece via email. He had to be one of the nicest men I've ever met. I still remember when I babysat for your girls so many years ago when we were neighbors and friends and how nice you and Bob always were to me. You all have my sincerest sympathies and will be in my thoughts and prayers. Julie & Dave Hird
Maureen, Dave, Lindsay, & Jessica Brown
June 23, 2010
undefined Makenzie,Please accept our Heartfelt Sympathies in this most difficult time for your whole family. Sue, your Father was Such a Beautiful Person! Chelsey and Makenzie, I saw your Grandfather ( and Grandmother,too! )at All of your "Events", and could see How Proud he was of his Granddaughter's. He Loved You SO Much! I Know that you Both will miss him Very Much! I Wish that I could take the Hurt and Pain away! I sit here crying as I write this. You Are ALL So Special! I have never met a family who was as close to each other than yours. Sue, Your Dad and Mom raised a Wonderful, Kind, Caring and Giving Family. Who Always Thought of Others. And would do Anything for Anyone. These Beautiful qualities were learned and embraced in your heart, Sue and your Sisters too! Who in turn have taught their own children how to live a life filled with Love, Caring, and Devotion. I So Admire You and Your Family, Sue! Your Dad (and Mom) Have Truly Showed Us All, How to Raise a Family with Pure Generosity And Selflessness, and Love.I Love You All So Much! and Again Are So Sorry For the Loss of Your Dad,Grandpa,& Father-in-law. With My (Our) Heartfelt Sympathy, Maureen, Dave, Lindsay, Jessica Brown.
Kelly Nies Colmer
June 23, 2010
Dear Chris, so sorry to hear about your dad,so many memories went through my mind. I remember sitting at the kitchen table looking at his baseball card. He always had time to sit and talk with us. He bought us our own champagyne bottle at graduation. Quite a man.
Linda Mowery Bothe
June 23, 2010
Dear Audrey,I am so sorry to hear from Don Bruno about your dear husband's death. You two were made for each other. The many beautiful memories that you and Bob created will help to sustain you and your family through this difficult journey called life. My heart goes out to you and your family.Wishing you abundant blessings,Linda Mowery Bothe - Class of '55
Sarah (Soph) Wagner
June 21, 2010
My condolences on your loss. I'm so sorry I could not visit you in person.My first memory of Bob was when I was a third grader at Paris Consolidated School. He came walking down the hall to visit Miss Johnson, who taught fourth grade there. A professional baseball player!!!!!!!!! And I saw him in real life. Pretty impressive to a an eight year old country girl.I have very fond memories of the time he coached our girls' softball team. I enjoyed every minute of the time spent with him and the family. Please know I am thinking of him and all of you.Sarah (Soph) Wagner
Bob Gangler
June 21, 2010
Dear Audrey,I'm not sure if you will remember me? I may or may not have been your favorite fourth grade student at Green Bay Road School in about 1964. But you were definately MY favorite teacher. I even considered flunking fourth grade so I could have you for a teacher again. In reviewing my report card, that wouldn't have been difficult to achieve.I live in Madison now, I'm married a wonderful lady and have 3 great boys. My sister, Linda, in Kenosha, informed me of Bob's passing and I am so sorry to hear the news. I won't be able to attend, but wanted you to know that I have thought of you and Bob frequently and with fond memories, over the years.I remember Bob throwing balls to us kids, at recess, when he came to visit. It was a dream come true to have a major league pitcher playing catch with me, when my true dream was to be just like him someday. And what a wonderful man. I always thought you made such a great couple.Please accept my condolences and prayers for you, Bob, and your family. Sincerely,The Ganglers
Lynda Kohler
June 21, 2010
Dear Chris, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. Immediately after my Mom told me that he passed away----many wonderful memories passed through my mind! I couldn't help but smile! He treated me like a daughter---I guess it was because I spent some much time at your house. I am sorry that I have not been in touch over the years. Please know that I think about you often and hope that we can reconnect.Please let your family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Lynda
Debi Rosenfeldt Zimick
June 20, 2010
Hello,During my grade school years, we lived in the CYC neighborhood, where my brother and I met Bob. We thank Bob for listening to our little fears, picking us up when we fell, and just caring enough for all the kids to give them the guidance to help make good choices. Thank You Bob
Karen Kempinen
June 20, 2010
Audrey, you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and your best friend. Maybe he'll get a chance, though, now to fan The Say Hey Kid. Love, Karen
Stephen and Genevieve Eirich
June 19, 2010
We just heard about the Bob's passing. While we cannot be with you in person, please know that our thoughts and prayers are directed your way. May God grant Bob eternal peace and joy. His journey has ended. Now he basks in the glory of the Lord.Steve and Gen Eirich
Sandy Danielson (Raksany)
June 19, 2010
Dear Audrey, It is with much sadness that I express my deepest sympathy to you and your family acknowledging the passing of yourdearest husband, father, friend to so very many and servant of God.Having read his obituary, I reflect on my Dad's service to the PYCand the many ways he participated in the community with unselfishlove of those he helped and cared for in Kenosha as Gabby also didthroughout his life. May God's light shine perpetual upon Gabby in eternal rest and may His mercy follow you giving you hope and strengthin this time of distress.
Lynn Hastings
June 19, 2010
We want you all to know that you have been in our daily thoughts and prayers since your father first started this journey.... I know that it hasn't been easy on any of you. Watching a family member go through treatments, the ups and down, the joy, the sorrow, sleepless nights in the hospital with worry. It can all be so draining. Your father/grandfather was a loving man and you can go on now celebrating all the wonderful times you had with him. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in any way. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with all of you.Love, Lynn, Scott, Ty, Ryan and Emily
Dr. Kenneth Tennant
June 19, 2010
My sincere condolences to Bob's family and friends. I remember Bob from the good years while working at the CYC with Mr. Carol Rikli. Those were some of the best times of my life, meeting and working with the people there. I just learned that Bob was Steve Alleman's father-in-law. My brother jeff went to school with Steve. Good people. God Bless. Dr. Kenneth Tennant (now of Iowa)