Jean A. Hartman, age 72, of Jordan, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by family at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
A time of gathering was held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM and on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 AM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Jordan, followed by a private family memorial service at 11:00 AM. Father George Grafsky presided, and Jean’s grandsons acted as urn bearers. A private interment was held at St. John Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of her beautiful life was held at Ridges of Sand Creek following her burial. Family and friends can watch a recording of the service at the following link: (link will be added soon).
Jean was born to George and Naomi (Grovum) Mendlik on July 25, 1948, in St Paul, MN. Her family moved to Belle Plaine, MN, before settling in Jordan. Jean graduated from Jordan High School in 1966.
Through her best friend, Mary Jane, Jean was introduced to a handsome young man, at the Carver Ballroom. His name was Gene Hartman. He was immediately drawn to her beautiful smile and personality. Gene took a chance and asked her to dance the Blue Skirt Waltz and the love story instantaneously began! On November 15, 1968, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Jordan, they united in Holy Matrimony. Jean and Gene remained in Jordan, where they welcomed three beautiful daughters, Christine, Brenda, and Paula.
Jean lived a simple and joyful life. She worked for many decades as a receptionist for medical clinics in Jordan, Belle Plaine and later in Le Sueur. Jean returned to the Jordan community, working for a family friend at Jordan Wine and Spirits. Throughout her entire profession, Jean’s personality sparkled. She was always welcoming people with a smile, caring attitude, and wonderful personality.
It was her family that was Jean’s biggest emphasis. Her daughters’ fondest memories are singing along on weekends, to music cranked up on the stereo tuned into WDGY or listening to her favorite music including ABBA, The Mamas and the Papas, Peter, Paul and Mary and Paula’s favorite The Trio Cd. The girls always enjoyed Saturday afternoons fishing adventures in the summer. Sundays were fun for the family as mom would make her usual big meal. The kids and grandkids would come over and treasured being together as a family. Jean also made each Christmas special for her family, with decorating the home and baking cookies. As she became a grandma, Jean’s life took on a new purpose. She loved being active in their lives and each had a special connection with her. Jean was present at the grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. She even taught them how to climb trees and enjoy the nature surrounding their country home.
Jean and Gene enjoyed venturing out on occasional day trips, Saturday night mass and out to dinner with family and friends. In her younger years, Jean loved to knit and crochet, especially blankets for the family. She enjoyed watching and going to movies and eating popcorn. She always loved all animals. Jean loved having coffee and lunch with her friends and siblings. She enjoyed playing bingo and was pretty lucky at it.
Quiet in nature, yet witty at times, Jean was a great listener, empathic, and extremely loving and kind. She was strong and unstoppable. Most importantly, Jean was faith filled and everyone loved being around her.
Jean will be forever loved and missed by her husband, Eugene; daughters, Christine Danielson, Brenda (Mike) Otteson, Paula (Tim) Huber; grandsons, Jeremy Hauglid, Blake Danielson, McKay Danielson, Kenzie Danielson, Drew Otteson, Charlie Otteson, Wrigley Huber; granddaughters, Bailey (Chase) Volk, Ava Otteson; great grandsons, Jaxson Volk, Maxx Danielson, Grayson Hauglid; other relatives and friends.
There to welcome Jean home in Heaven are her parents, George and Naomi; sister, Janet Voss; nieces, nephew, and many other loved ones.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Hartman family.
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Pat Will
So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. May God be with your family during this difficult time.
Kathy and Dave Grovum
Thinking of all of you at this time. What a beautiful tribute to her life. Dave has wonderful childhood memories of her visiting. She was a sweet giving person. May your memories help comfort you in the days ahead. ❤
Marcella Pauly
So very sorry for your loss. Went to school with your Mom a very sweet gal. May she rest in peace. She will be missed!!
Ron Mornson
So sad she will be remembered always by her family and friends Such a beautiful person to know
George & Diane Martin
Gene & family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on Jean’s passing……what a great lady she was!! May God keep you close at this time.
Dori & Paul Miller
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jean was a lovely lady, who never failed to have a smile and a kind word whenever I saw her. May the love and precious memories help ease the sorrow and bring peace to her family and friends.
Paul Miller
We are so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace, and you all have comfort in your grief.
Dorothy & Les Tagtow
Les & I are so very sorry for your loss. I. Share many memories with her and Mary Jane. I followed her illness while she was going through her courageous battle. Never did I hear anything about her being discouraged. Her family loved her deeply as you could easily see. The pain of loosing her will be unimaginable but with the grace of God you will find away to honor her by going on with your lives as she would want you too. God give you the strength to honor and mourn for her knowing she is with God. Her work is done. Know she will always be with you. When a fly or bitterly stays near you.. It’s her. Just checking on you.. God be with you all and find strength in the memories you share.
Peg Lucas Beuch
So sorry to hear of your loss may Jean Rest In Peace.
Craig Rasmussen
So sorry for your loss. Peace and comfort to all of your family.
Karl & Kerry Kee
Christine & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you all lots & lots of love.
Peggy (Golda) Getty
Jean was my childhood neighbor. We had many fun-filled adventures on our bikes, before parents restricted boundaries. We often biked to New Prague and back (with no water or helmets,) for sure. Her obituary describes her perfectly. That is how she always has been. So kind and empathetic. I am sad I didn’t get to know her in her adult life. Please accept my condolences and we will certainly be fondly remembering her at our class reunion this summer. What a wonderful family legacy she created.
Pete Senske
I was fortunate to spend time at the Hartman’s home as a teenager and have fond memories of spending time with Jean and the Hartman Family. Jean was always welcoming and fun to be around. We also spent many hours working together at Jordan Wine and Spirits. She was always easy going and quick with a smile. Ready to greet the many customers she knew by name. My condolences to the Hartman Family on her passing. She was a great lady.