Walter Charles Hartmann
Walter Charles Hartmann, a cherished resident of Western Springs, IL, peacefully passed away
in his home on October 9, 2023 at the age of 89. Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife
Dorothy (Willis). Loving father of Jan (Tom Fiola), Julie (Tony Laquet), Laura (Bob Thompson)
and Cindy (Peter Veit). Proud grandfather of Katie (Wes Jones), Jenny, Elizabeth, Emily (Danny
Aromando), Chrissy (Max Rombach), Mandy, Megan, Abigail and Lindsay. Companion with
Renetta Kazmierczak, fond uncle and longtime friend to many.
Walter was born in Chicago on January 9, 1934 to Marie and George Hartmann and was the
older brother to Bernice (Chuck Himes).
He worked at Electro Motive Division of General Motors in Countryside for 26 years before
going to work and retiring from Cooper Lighting. Wally has shared many fascinating stories
about his years at Electro Motive and his time in the Army in Germany during the Korean War.
In 1958, he married Dorothy and they were happily married for nearly 50 years. They had five
children. Their son Wayne passed away at the age of five from leukemia.
Walter and Dorothy raised their family in Western Springs and were active members of St. John
of the Cross Catholic Church. For many years, he enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in parish
performances.
Walter and Dorothy took up sailing and had a Catalina sailboat downtown Chicago. They were
active members of the Catalina club and loved sharing their sailboat with everyone!
Walter enjoyed playing tennis and golf and spending time with his family and friends. His
awesome sense of humor was present up to the very end.
Visitation 10am until time of Memorial Mass, 11am on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs.
All are invited to a luncheon at the Holiday Inn, 6201 Joliet Rd., Countryside immediately following services.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
A wonderful man that was my father-in-law but I called “dad”. He was “taking it easy after his surgery” because he was following doctors orders. Always brought a smile to my face. He will be missed.
Dear family of Wally. Your mom and dad were so wonderful and special. We were fellow sailors and loved being with them. Your right about your dad’s sense of humor. When he read the finances of our club he used a matchbook for his report. We still laugh about that. Our sincere sympathy. God bless you all. Family hug. Beverly and Roger Suhar
Hysterical. Thanks for sharing the memory.
Knew Walter from EMD Tool Room days. Always had a positive attitude toward us Tool Engineers.
Played tennis with Walter, but I seldom won. Enjoyed the challenge though.