Richard Carl Hartman, 77

Richard Carl Hartman, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 17, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, to Fred and Mae Hartman. He grew up in Midland, Michigan, and moved to Montana in 1978. He helped his parents run their cherry orchard on Flathead Lake until 1987 when he moved to Martin City.

Richard worked at Flathead Industries Thrift Store in Columbia Falls for 25 years. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, going to church, watching “The Price Is Right,” “Wheel of Fortune” and

“Jeopardy.”

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred; his brother-in-law, Tom Church; and nephew, Louie Church.

Richard is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Church, who cared for him for the last 30 years; his nieces, Carma (John) Johnson, Cathy (Mike) Nash, and Suzanne Church. He is also survived by his great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews, Brandi (Chris) Sinerius, Jake and Jax Sinerius, Tom (Marissa) Church, Corbin and Beau Church, Bill (Michonne) Johnson, Harper Lou Johnson, Shelby Nash, Lori, Emily, and Danny Church; and his good friends, Pat McVay, Scotty Smith and Paul Synder.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who stopped by to visit and who sent cards during Richard’s illness. We would also like to thank all of the caregivers at Frontier Hospice who took such great care of Richard in his last four months.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2018.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Richard.