Lavern M. “Vern” Hartman, age 85, of Peosta, passed away peacefully at 8:10 a.m., on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Bethany Home.  To honor Vern’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church – New Melleray, 16318 Holy Family Lane, Peosta, IA.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the church, with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating.  Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Dubuque Post 6.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Vern’s family.

Vern was born on September 5, 1937, in Peosta, Iowa, son of Earl and Bernadine (Duschen) Hartman.

Vern attended school in the county school in Peosta until 8th grade and went on to earn his GED.  He proudly served his country joining the U.S. Army in 1959 and was a member of the 386th Engineer Battalion driving heavy equipment.  He was united in marriage to Mary Lent on April 28, 1962, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque.  The couple recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.  Vern was a simple man.  He was honest, hard working and he would do anything for ice cream.  He not only farmed most of his life, but also worked in the maintenance departments at Dubuque Greyhound Park and later at Mount St. Francis for 20 years. Vern was a tough task-master, but quick to reward a job well-done.  He was the best guardian his special-needs son could have.  His faith was very important to him and he was a lifelong member of Holy Family Church.  When he did find some free time Vern enjoyed simple pleasures. He liked to  travel with Mary, fishing in Iowa’s small lakes, canoeing, enjoying a rainbow, a colorful sunset, or a good game of cards.  Vern was very handy and was involved in the building of the home they lived in, as well as several beautiful woodworking projects, many without the use of a pattern.  His family was always his top priority and Vern loved spending time with Mary and the children.  He especially cherished time spent with the grandkids.  Vern was an excellent role model for everyone around him, stressing the importance of hard work and family.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Vern’s memory include

his wife,
Mary Hartman, Peosta, IA;

3 sons,
Thomas (Tricia) Hartman, Decorah, IA,
Daniel Hartman, Dubuque, IA
and Richard Hartman, Springville, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Victoria (Gavin) Nimrod and Christopher (Brylie Wiedmaier) and Elizabeth and Anthony Hartman;

2 great-grandchildren,
Isaac and Eli Nimrod;

and two sisters-in-law,
Gerda Hartman, Dubuque, IA
and Lois Hartman, Dubuque, IA.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Walter and David Hartman.

Vern’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care and to their friends and neighbors who helped them through all the changes the last several months.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Vern’s memory to be divided among his favorite charities which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Vern Hartman Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com