Peter E. Hartman

Peter Eugene Hartman, age 90, of Hesston, Kansas, was unexpectedly called home on September 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Alice (Hartzler) Hartman; five siblings: Eunice (Byler), John, Lucinda (McGrath), Dennis, and Leonard; three infants: Janna Lou, Angela Mae, and Warren Lee; and his adult son Nathan Peter. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marilyn (Troyer) Hartman; children Treva (Leon) Greaser, Alice (Mark) Jantzen, and Luke (Staci) Hartman; siblings Ralph (Carolyn) Hartman and Miriam Hartman; sisters-in-law Lenore Hartman and Viola Hartman; grandchildren Breanna Trueblood, Jordan Hartman, Sarina (Hartman) Thigpen, Henry Jantzen, Sophia Hartman, Kristin Jantzen, John Jantzen, and Sarah Hartman; and two great-grandchildren: Kai Hartman and Kayce Thigpen. Early Life and Education Born in Elkhart County, Indiana, Peter was raised in a conservative Mennonite family where Pennsylvania Dutch was the primary language. He learned English upon entering elementary school. Peter graduated from Hesston Bible Academy in 1952 and completed two years at Hesston College in 1955, where he met his lifelong partner, Marilyn Troyer. They married on August 18, 1955. Ministry and Service Following their marriage, Peter and Marilyn moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where he served as a hospital orderly for his 1-W service. At the invitation of Hannibal Mennonite Church, Peter became the nursing home administrator of Beth Haven. He served faithfully in this role for 18 years, overseeing growth from a 20-bed facility to a full continuing care retirement community. One of his memorable accomplishments was the dedication and opening of a new 60-bed facility in 1972. Called to pastoral ministry, Peter moved his family to Carlsbad, New Mexico, in 1975, where he pastored Carlsbad Mennonite Church for 17 years. In 1992, he and Marilyn relocated to Yoder, Kansas, where he served as pastor of Yoder Mennonite Church until 2000. Peter's "retirement" never truly ended his service to others. He served briefly as interim Conference minister for South Central Conference. He then worked as a chaplain for Hospice Care of Kansas for nine years. He continued visiting and encouraging people as an interim pastor and volunteer chaplain in many settings including Calico Rock AR, Newton Medical Center, Hesston EMS, and Schowalter Villa. He became known for the walking sticks he created and gave to people who were near the end of life. This meaningful gift was a symbol of the Rod and Staff referenced in Psalm 23. Peter was inspired by and gathered stories of end-of-life experiences from many people. He remained dedicated to his primary call to serve and care for others his entire life. Prison Ministry and Compassionate Service Peter was particularly drawn to prison ministry, building relationships with numerous prisoners over many years and maintaining faithful appointments to encourage them in faith. He sustained a relationship with one prisoner for over 20 years. His commitment to serving others extended to donating over twenty gallons of blood throughout his lifetime. Consistent with his lifelong dedication to service, Peter donated his body to The University of Kansas Medical Center for research. Music and Joy Peter found great joy in music, singing in men’s quartets, the Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus, and the Schowalter Villa Singers. He practiced piano using shaped notes, learned to play the violin, and a small harp. He played harmonica for many during his hospice chaplain work. He especially loved to whistle while riding his bicycle, spreading joy wherever he went. Family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025 at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas. Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 27 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Caring Fund or Offender/Victim Ministries (OVM) in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, Kansas 67062.

Peter E. Hartman

November 8, 1934 - September 10, 2025