Brian Hartman

November 29, 1961 - December 29, 2024
Brian G. Hartman, age 63, of New Prague, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2024. He was born on November 29, 1961, in New Prague to Werner and Phyllis (Schoenecker) Hartman. Brian graduated from New Prague High School and married the love of his life, Renee Otting, in 1991. The couple first lived in Elko before building a home in New Prague in 1998, where they spent many happy years together.
Brian was an enthusiastic baseball player and fan. He proudly played in the DRS Baseball League for Saint Benedict for over 20 years. His love for the game extended far beyond the field, as he could often be found cheering on the local teams from the stands. He also served on the New Market Elko Fire Department and New Prague Ambulance service.
Brian loved hunting, woodworking, and playing cards with family and friends. For over 30 years, Brian worked at Xerox before shifting gears to work with Otting Rentals and later at Mala Strana, where he worked in maintenance until his retirement in January 2022.
Anyone who knew Brian will remember him for his humor – he was always ready with a clever remark or a playful tease that had everyone around him laughing. He had a rare gift for making people feel at ease, whether it was with his trademark sarcasm or his sharp wit. His social nature made him the life of any gathering, and he was loved for his ability to connect with people and make every moment more enjoyable.
Brian’s loyalty to his loved ones was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him best. His personality, his humor, and his heartfelt kindness have left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Brian is survived by his wife, Renee (Otting) Hartman and daughter Katrina (Austin) Greenwalt; his mother, Phyllis Hartman; siblings, Wayne Hartman, Robin Hartman, Sara (Clayton) Schneider, Tracy Hartman, and Chris Hartman; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Werner Hartman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Church with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will take place from Noon – 3:00 PM also at church. Burial will occur after Mass at St. Benedict Cemetery in rural Jordan with lunch to follow at the St. Patrick Social Hall.
Brian’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported them during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. I had run into Brian a few times over the years and as always a great guy. We would visit and reminisce about our younger days as cousins and what we were up to these days. Prayers to the entire family.
Robin, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, your mom and your whole family on the loss of your loved one, Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Randy and Nancy
My heart goes out to all of you. May you find some comfort and peace in this hard time. (Brian was my cousin, and I grew up ‘across the fields’ from him.)
Renee and Katrina, I am so sorry to hear about Brian. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Renee and Katrina,
So sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.Brian was a classmate and a great guy, always a good time when Brian was around. God bless.
Our sincerest sympathies to Renee and family. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all at this difficult time. Jeff and Kim Ewanika
I was sorry to hear about Brian, my sympathy to you all ❤
Our sincere condolences to you and the family. It was an honor to serve with Brian on the fire department.
So sorry for your loss Renee and Katrina!! Hugs and Prayers!!❤
So very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He certainly was a great guy with a great sense of humor. Will treasure the bar he made for us always. Our sincere sympathy to Renee and Katrina. And his family