Richard Dean “Dick” Hartman was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa, July 7, 1931, to George Walter Hartman and Letha Marjorie (Latch) Hartman. He was raised on the family farm in Iowa. Two days following his 17th birthday, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He began service as a seaman apprentice and worked his way up to chief petty officer. His E-8 billet was frozen and Dick was recommended for Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an ensign. After serving his country for 30 years, he retired on Jan. 30, 1978, as a lieutenant commander.

Dick was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska; did three tours in Vietnam; and two in the Philippines; along with assignments in Florida, California, Tennessee and Whidbey Island. He served aboard the USS Enterprise and the USS Constellation.

Dick married Helen Lease July 3, 1954, in Hernando, Miss. Dick was transferred to Oak Harbor in 1960, and they decided to make the island their permanent home.

Following retirement, Dick and Helen traveled the U.S. for two years and then began spending their winters in Arizona. Mesa was home for five years and then Yuma for the next 10. They wore out three fifth-wheel campers and five trucks traveling the country. Dick also spent 10 years driving school buses for the Oak Harbor School District. Dick also attended Skagit Valley College after retirement and was the student body president for one year.

Dick was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus John E. O’Brien Council #3361 of Oak Harbor, the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whitehead Muzzall Post 7392 of Oak Harbor. Since 1955, he also enjoyed being an amateur radio operator (call signs K7QQF) and manned the Navy Mars Station, (NNN0AVK).

Dick is survived by five children, Penelope (Eric) Geisler, of Anchorage, Alaska; Teresa (Thomas) Schmalz, of Boise, Idaho; George (Vicki) Hartman, of Coupeville, Wash.; Cynthia (Ralph) Sandlin, of Faucett, Mo.; and Joseph (Lilas) Hartman, of Tacoma, Wash. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Neil Geisler; Karl (Josi) Geisler; Joseph and Daniel Schmalz; Joel, Lara and Kacie (Ron) Sisel; Nicolas and Ryan (Linda) Shawaluk; Emma, Luke and Lucy Hartman; and three great-grandchildren, Isabella, Ryan Jr. and Jeremiah Shawaluk.

In addition, siblings William Hartman, of Georgetown, Texas; Lyman Hartman, of Ankeny, Iowa; Marilyn Crosser, of Marshalltown, Iowa; and Jane Hornung, of Eldora, Iowa, also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and two sisters, Betty Wenner and Marjorie Hartman.

A special thank you is extended to the staff at Home Place for the loving care they provided to Dick. The family suggests donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western & Central Washington Chapter, North Tower, 100 W. Harrison St. N200, Seattle, WA 98119.

Rosary vigil will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Wallin Funeral Home. Funeral Mass for Dick will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday, March 20, at St Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Pluth, J.C.L, presiding. Rite of committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Friends and family are invited to a reception at Wallin Funeral Home immediately following the rite of committal.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit Dick’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com