Catherine Hartman

Catherine Hartman lived in the same house in Muskegon, Michigan all of her life. It is the place she called home, and the place where she created a lifetime full of memories with her family and friends. Although it fell within the timeframe of World War I, 1916 was a year marked by many great events. While Albert Einstein worked on completing his theory of relativity, Charlie Chaplin was at the pinnacle of his fame, entertaining wartime audiences as a silent movie star. It was into this heightened world of war and laughter that Catherine was born on December 28, 1916, in Muskegon, Michigan to Harry and Flora (Bosch) Hartman. Catherine was one of four children and grew up in the company of her sister, Margaret, and two brothers, Thomas and Charles. Her father earned a living as a house builder, while her mother worked in the kitchen at Hackley Hospital as well as cared for their family. Catherine received her education in the Muskegon Public Schools, and loved to read her whole life. In fact, she preferred to be home delving into a new book, than be out on the town. Catherine resided in her family home in Muskegon all of her life. Although she never married, she enjoyed the company of her parents, and spending time with her nieces and nephews when they came to visit. Sadly, Catherine lost her father in 1933, and her mother in 1979. Catherine worked at Sealed Power making piston rings for 40 years before retiring in 1978. Being retired, she had more time to devote to her hobbies and reading, of course. She had a talent for working with ceramics and had made many beautiful pieces over the years. After retiring, Catherine started to travel extensively and had taken numerous trips overseas, visiting Europe, Australia and even Hawaii. She also had a fondness for lighthouses and enjoyed taking day trips to visit some in the area; her favorite being Little Sable near Silver Lake. She loved Silver Lake as well and looked forward to the times when she and a cousin would stay at a cottage there. Her one prized possession in life was her champagne colored 1980 Ford Fairmont Ventura that has only 28,000 miles on it. Later in life, when Catherines health began to decline, her nephew, Robert Mundt, became her primary caregiver until she went to the Brookhaven Care Center, where she died on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. All who knew Catherine will treasure her memory. Catherine is survived by her nephews, Michael (Marcia) Mundt of Grand Rapids, Robert (Tammy Lanore) Mundt of Muskegon; a host of nieces, nephews & cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Tom & Charles Hartman; sister, Margaret Hartman. Funeral services for Catherine will be held on Monday, December 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Restlawn Chapel with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Please visit Catherines memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a message with her family or sign her online guest book. Arrangements handled by Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon.