It is with profound sadness yet a spirit of celebration that we announce the passing of John R. Hartman, 85, of East Moline, who departed this life on May 24, 2026. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, John lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. 

A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Edgewood Baptist Church in Rock Island. Friends and family are invited to join in a time of remembrance and reflection during the memorial visitation scheduled from 4 to 6 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Inurnment will take place privately at Pine Hill Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa. 

John was born in Burlington, Iowa, on May 25, 1940, to Russell and Elizabeth Bierstedt Hartman. In 1960, John married Berneta McCargar with whom he had four children and was married 44 years until she passed in 2004. He married, Mary Mertl-Sarabacha, on July 2, 2005, in a joyful ceremony at Edgewood Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member. 

John dedicated over 30 years of his career as an IT analyst for John Deere Harvester before retiring in 2002. A man of faith and family, John carried a deep love for reading and studying the Bible. In his earlier years, he cherished camping adventures with his family. In his retirement, John found joy in traveling with Mary in their RV, spending winters in Texas and creating fond memories together. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 21 years, Mary Hartman; his children, Susan (Ron) Berrie, Sharon (Charles) Bertram, Stanley (Kim) Hartman, Steven (Christie) Hartman, and Brian (Sara) Sarabacha; twelve grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and cherished. 

Preceding him in death were his first wife, Berneta; his parents; and his brother, Richard Hartman. 

The family requests that memorials be made in John’s name to either the Edgewood Baptist Church Missions or to Second Winders, two causes that were dear to his heart. 

Online condolences, cherished memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.