Donald J. "Bugs" Hartman, Jr.

Donald J. "Bugs" Hartman, Jr., 72, of Rock Island, passed away Tuesday October 2, 2018 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH.

A memorial visitation and Celebration of Don's life will be Friday, October 12, 4:00 pm to  7:00 pm, with remembrance ceremonies by family at 7:00 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030-7th Ave., Rock Island. Private Inurnment with military honors will be at National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.

Donald was born June 26, 1946 in Rock Island, a son of Donald J., and Dorothee Karzin Hartman. He married Julie A. Cantrell on September 28, 1968 in Rock Island.

He was a U.S. Army veteran with service during the Vietnam War era, serving mostly in Europe, where he served as a lead army cook.  After his army service, Donald served a 4 year apprenticeship with IBEW and Western Electric (AT&T), becoming a journeyman electrician.  Don worked as an electrician for Western Electric traveling throughout the US until he took a job with The City of Rock Island Water Department in 1981 to be closer to his family.  Don worked for the City of Rock Island in the Water Treatment Facility until he retired in 2008, after nearly 30 years of service.  Don always enjoyed working for his hometown and took great pride in serving Rock Island's citizens. 

Don enjoyed listening to and attending concerts of a wide variety of musicians.  He also enjoyed golfing, gardening, cooking interesting dishes, spending time with his family and friends and traveling around the US especially winters in Arizona with his wife.  Bird watching, talking and learning about history of any kind were particular interests of Don's and he loved to share this knowledge with anyone who would listen.  

Don is survived by his wife, Julie, of Rock Island; children, Paul Hartman (fiancée, Robin Pullen) Kingwood, TX, Heidi Hartman, Bend, OR, and Nicholas Hartman (Cassie Karr, and her daughter, Faith Karr), Rock Island; mother, Dorothee Hartman, Rock Island; brother, Michael (Phyllis) Hartman, Canton, Mass., sisters, Melanie Lemon (Pete Uribe), Moline, and Bridget Bailey, Rock Island, Gale and Carla Bundrick, brother/sister-in-law, Tucson, AZ, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family.

He was preceded in death by his father, brother, John Hartman, brother-in-law, Jim Bailey, and his special furry friend Molly.

Please no flowers.  Monetary or pet food donations can be made in his honor at the QC Animal Welfare Center in Milan, IL. 

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