Carol Jayne Hartman

Carol Jayne Hartman, age 79, of Presque Isle, WI, passed away on Thursday, May 6. Carol was born on April 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Rodich. She graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1959. She married the love of her life, Thomas William Hartman, on May 22, 1965. They were married for almost 56 years and had many adventures together.

Carol worked as a medical transcriptionist in her career. She started at the VA Center and West Allis Memorial Hospital until she forged her own path and became self-employed in 1980. She was a successful independent contractor for almost 20 years.

Carol was the ultimate volunteer, serving the communities in which she lived. In Milwaukee, Carol was an animal rescuer for the Humane Society and earned the “Kindness Award” in 1996. In Presque Isle, she continued her service to the community as a volunteer at Wild Instincts and as a Lioness. Carol was a member of Denim and Dessert and the Presque Isle Beautification Committee. She volunteered in so many ways, even as a Loon Ranger. Carol received the Presque Isle “Citizen of the Year” award. She was an excellent crafter and used her skills to create jewelry and Christmas kissing boughs that she sold for fundraising for Wild Instincts and other charitable organizations. She was an avid painter, crafter, gardener, and critter lover. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved to kayak and fish.

One of Carol’s greatest joys was hosting the annual FamDamily reunion. She and Tom hosted many reunions at their vacation home in Door County and later at their home in Presque Isle. The FamDamily traditions included frisbee golf, sunsets, boat races, basketball games, swimming, coin hunts in the sandpile, fishing, and of course, abundant and delicious food. The Friday night fish fry is legendary, and Carol was the queen of the fish breading, coordinating the assembly line to bread the 100s of fish.

Her greatest love was her family, and she is survived by her husband, Thomas, and her two sons Thomas (Amy) Hartman and Scott (Jennifer) Hartman. She was a loving and fun grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jack, Luke, and Reganne. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Lois) and the rest of the FamDamily, who she loved dearly. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Joseph, Frank, and Mary.

Carol was larger than life. She had a contagious laugh and an amazing sense of humor. Carol could talk to anyone and made friends wherever she went. She and Tom traveled the world and always picked up friends along the way. She was kind and had a huge heart. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Celebration of Life Services will take place on June 19 at the Presque Isle Community Center and Pavillion. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a service at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Carol to Wild Instincts, 4621 Apperson Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501.

Online Condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.