November 05, 2016

I want to wish the all the family of Joel Hartman my condolences.  I felt like one of their extend kids.  Ever since they moved to New Franklin, MO.  Both Joel, Sara and their children knew how to be encouragers.  I enjoyed so much going to Maine on one of their yearly vacations.  It was truly one of my best memories.  I enjoyed seeing their extend family in PA and Maine.  Joel was gracious to say come to my speak at my wedding in 1987.  It was a heartfelt contribution of supporting me about about love and family.  Many people appreciate the impact that he has left at MU, New Frankin, and Columbia, MO and any heart that this family has touched.  I have so many good memories, and I am so gratiful.  (I regret not being able posting earlier) Roylene (Bechtold) Kempf  

April 20, 2015

I am so grateful to have had a chance to know Professor Hartman.  All of the things people have said about his joy for life and his outreach to others is exactly the way I remember him.  I particularly remember his laugh and the way his entire face smiled.  He was instrumental in completing my Ph.D. as one of my committee members.  I so appreciate his insight and his genuine interest in a student from outside his discipline.
Dr. Elizabeth, Kirksville, MO

March 11, 2015

Dear Hartman daughters, I can only imagine your sadness at losing your wonderful father.  I served as his part-time secretary from like 1968-72 in the Department of Rural Sociology.  He appreciated my help so much, I couldn’t do enough for him.  Many years later, when I needed a letter of reference, I tracked him down and he wrote me the most genuine letter.  Joel is simply unforgettable, as you know better than anyone.  — Jeanie Dobbs, San Francisco, CA

February 18, 2015

 
I was once a sociology major and, subsequently, found myself in Dr. Hartman’s class at Mizzou titled “The Family.”  It was in the days of large lecture halls so I never thought he knew me until I spent my first summer in college remaining in Columbia.  A group of us would see him at many summer festivals, singing and dancing (and drinking beer) with the students.  He fit right in.  Years later, with the help of the internet, I found Dr. Hartman and struck up a writing friendship with him that endured until his move to Pennsylvania.  Again, I never thought he would remember me, but he even recalled what seat I sat in in that big lecture hall.  (He did love redheads!)  I loved receiving his journal entries, missives, good humor, and wisdom in the form of letters over the years and mourn the passing of such a wonderful, lively, funny, brilliant, dear man.  When my daughters arrived on campus, he was the first professor I introduced them to so they would know joy.  To his family, thank you for sharing him!  I can still hear that laugh and see the twinkle in his eyes! We loved him dearly.  May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon Joel Arden Hartman. 
Ellen Baker
 

February 04, 2015

Joel was not only a professor, but a pastor. He was an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, and as such he and Sara, also an ordained minister in the UCC, served churches in PA, and in MO. (In central Missouri, he assisted his wife Sara, who was the pastor of Immanuel UCC, New Franklin.) When she moved to Wisconsin, Joel became a member of Columbia UCC, and as such became an unofficial “Associate Pastor”,  taking on many of the pastoral duties of preaching, teaching, counseling, and singing in all the choirs.  A favorite memory is experiencing Joel, dressed in a long flannel nightgown and striped nightcap, reciting “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to everyone’s screaming delight. With his abilities and jovial nature, he was loved and appreciated by all. As many have remarked when Joel laughed, no one had to ask, “Where’s Joel?’   And so we say “auf Wiedersehen” to our good friend and colleague, Joel. Because of you, our lives have been richly blessed.     To the family, we offer our deepest sympathy, the Brandenburgs, Shelley and Fred   (former pastor of Columbia UCC)

February 03, 2015

Such a wonderful colleague and inspiration to a younger faculty member.  I miss seeing him on campus and socializing with family, friends, and colleagues.  
With great sympathy,
Steve Borgelt
 

February 02, 2015

there truly was no one like this wonderful man with his love for people and knowledge and his infectious laugh. it was a privilege to work in Gentry hall with him for at least 10 years in Rural Sociology. I also took the one and only Amish course he taught for MU in the evening and made an A in the class. I think the evening class really wore him out and that was the last time he ever taught it at that time of night. I just happen to be talking about him last week to a friend and did not know he had passed away until I saw the obituary online and the Columbia Daily Tribune. my condolences to his wonderful family who he loved and talked about so much. Sincerely, Sharon Naylor

February 02, 2015

We are all saddened that Joel has moved on. He did leave us with wonderful memories and an outstanding legacy of students and mentored colleagues. My experiences at Ohio State University, and living in Wooster, in Wayne Co, always brings Joel to mind. Wayne Co was the center of Amish life in Ohio, and I had the pleasure of getting to know many Amish in my time there.  Joel deep understanding seemed to give me a bond. We will miss him; we are blessed to have known him and to have what he shared.  Sincerely, Dean Tom Payne and the CAFNR family

February 02, 2015

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joel Hartman. He was always my favorite professor at MU; I always loved his classes and greatly enjoyed the time we spent visiting outside class. Over the years since leaving school, I have thought of him often. 
Our prayers are with you during this time.
 
Nancy Brush

February 02, 2015

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Hartman’s passing.  To Tina, Anita, Elizabeth and family, my heartfelt condolences and prayers for your loss.
Anthony Ray
New Franklin, MO
 

February 01, 2015

Sad to hear the news. Your parents were wonderful neighbors when we lived in New Franklin. We have many good memories of visiting with them over the fence. They performed our wedding together in 1983 and that is the most precious memory of all. Your dad had a laugh that could brighten any day. I had the opportunity to take his class on Amish culture. We feel lucky to have known your dad and all of your family.
Joe & Barb Montgomery

January 31, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss of Joel.  I worked for Joel as a class assistant during my undergrad years at Mizzou for two years before he retired (my dad worked for CAFNR at the same time Joel worked in Rural Soc).  He was a wonderful mentor and was a joy to work with.  He always had a soft spot for the college students who were struggling.  So sorry for your loss, Nancy Haldiman

January 31, 2015

Joel’s fun and loving spirit will be with me the rest of my life.  I have known him for 56 years, since I was 14, when he became the pastor at my church, St. Luke’s UCC in Lititz, PA.  He and his wife Sara and their 5 children have always had a place in my heart.  So many people, through his teaching at Univ of MO and community interactions, that the impact of his life will go on and on.  I will miss him.  My sincere sympathies go to all his family members, friends and former students.