Arthur Carl Hartmann Jr.

Arthur Carl Hartmann Jr.: A Life Lived with Quiet Strength and Deep Conviction

Arthur Carl Hartmann Jr., a man of profound intellect, unwavering discipline, and quiet generosity, passed away, leaving a legacy defined by his actions, passions, and an extraordinary commitment to self-improvement. Born on July 23, 1933, in Springfield, Illinois, Arthur's early life on his uncle's farm instilled in him a strong work ethic that would define his every endeavor.

A Journey Forged by Determination

From a young age, Arthur displayed an impressive independence and a thirst for knowledge. He began reading the morning paper at just 10 years old, a cherished habit he maintained throughout his life. At 17, with less than ten dollars to his name, he embarked on a journey that exemplified his audacious spirit. He traveled to a new town, secured lodging, and, upon being told there were no job openings at a local grainery, offered to work for free for a week to prove his worth. His determination paid off, and he was hired, a testament to his belief in hard work and perseverance.

Arthur's courage was further demonstrated through his military service. Despite a fear of heights, he boldly enlisted as a paratrooper in the Army in 1952, later serving with the 187th Airborne in Korea. His dedication to physical fitness was so notable that he even earned a compliment from General Westmoreland, who observed him doing shoulder presses with ammo containers. He undertook precarious operations, including laying and recovering mines, always facing challenges head-on.

A Curious Mind, An Engaged Spirit

Arthur was an insatiable reader, devouring one to two non-fiction books a week until his memory began to fade in his 80s. This vast self-education gave him an incredible vocabulary and a remarkable ability to engage in almost any conversation, from global affairs to historical events. Yet, despite his expansive knowledge, he was never an intellectual egotist. He genuinely appreciated learning from others, raptly paying attention and expressing gratitude when someone shared new insights or practical skills. While private in his emotions, in public, he was consistently gracious, charming, and generous.

He managed The Millionaire's Club, a chain of members-only restaurants, and other dining establishments. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to own a business supply store. Concurrently, he explored diverse business ventures, including co-owning an apartment complex, salesman for Electrolux, and owning a fire extinguisher equipment company. He was always fastidious in his appearance and surroundings, reflecting his detail-oriented, focused, and orderly nature.

Passions Pursued with Precision

Beyond his professional life, Arthur dedicated himself to several passions with characteristic intensity and precision. He was an ardent follower of horse racing, meticulously journaling facts and figures on horse performance, often achieving significant wins at the track. Even when new technology "flattened the odds," he continued his manual calculations, relishing the intellectual challenge.

Bridge was another arena where Arthur excelled. He was a highly ranked Duplicate Bridge player, amassing numerous trophies from tournaments. At home, his undisputed reign was in Scrabble. Wielding his expansive vocabulary and strategic prowess, he was a formidable opponent, with a typical low score of 250 points even before the advent of "Super Scrabble." Family game nights often concluded with his brother-in-law playfully declaring, "Okay, who came in second place, because we all know Art came in first." It wasn't until the age of 79 that his son, with a stroke of luck, finally secured a win against him by a mere few points.

In his later years, Arthur found immense joy in cruises, which allowed him to experience firsthand the places he had read about. He particularly loved Russia for its stunning architecture and Puerto Rico for its pivotal role in New World exploration and historical conflicts.

Arthur expressed his care through actions and provision, often responding to "I love you" with a simple "same-o, same-o", or “Ditto”. He would give sincere, concise expressions of gratitude for others' efforts. He was a man who preferred to show his affection rather than articulate it, a quality deeply understood and cherished by those closest to him. He was lovingly cared for by his son for the last twelve years of his life.

Arthur is survived by his sister Gerrie Suggs, his ex-wife Nita Janowiak, his son Vince Hartmann, his daughter Lisa Steinberg, as well as many beloved cousins, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His memory will be cherished as a testament to a life well-lived, marked by quiet strength, intellectual curiosity, and an enduring spirit of determination.

Military funeral rites will be held at 2:30 on Tuesday June 24, 2025 in Salisbury National Cemetery