Richard J. Hartman

Springfield — Richard J. Hartman, 81, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Springfield, surrounded by his loving family. Rich was born Oct. 4, 1944, in Springfield, the son of Joseph A. and Margaret M. Ahrens Hartman. He married Patricia R. Norris on Oct. 2, 1965, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springfield. They later divorced. He was preceded in death by his parents and his ex-wife, Patricia R. Hartman.

Rich graduated from Griffin High School in 1962 and attended Illinois State University. He was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church and the Little Flower Men’s Club, from which he received the Man of the Year Award.

Rich worked for the Illinois Secretary of State in data processing for 38 years, retiring in 2002. He volunteered at the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Springfield for many years and was a former member of the Lefthanders Gun Club in Loami.

He adored his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing and swimming. Known as a jack-of-all-trades, he could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a hand.

Rich is survived by his five sons, Ahren J. (wife, Terri) Hartman of Chicago, Michael J. (wife, Kristine) Hartman of Melbourne, Florida, Paul R. Hartman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Stephen E. (wife, Elizabeth) Hartman of Springfield and Matthew R. Hartman of Auburn; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild, with one on the way; one brother, Douglas C. (wife, Marie) Hartman, of Heath, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rich’s family will meet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, with Rev. Ryan Kehoe officiating. Burial will follow at Brush Creek Cemetery in Divernon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower Catholic School, 900 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, or at little-flower.org; or to the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2960 Stanton St., Springfield, IL 62703, or at marybryanthome.org.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Rich Hartman. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.