William J. Hartman

William "Wiggy" J. Hartman 92, Athens, died Monday, April 23, 2012 at his home. He was born May 2, 1919 in Athens, son of the late T.A. and Mary (Kress) Hartman. On September 16, 1989, he married Jean M. (Braun) Esselman at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. She preceded him in death on August 14, 2011. Bill graduated from Athens High School in 1936. In April of 1943, he enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp. He was a surgical technician during World War II, serving with the 36th Fighter Group in England, France, Belgium and Germany. Following the war, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated on June 19, 1948. Bill worked for the family business, Hartman's Variety Store in Athens, until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion Chapman-Belter Post No. 4, Athens and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew J. Sutter Post No. 8527, Athens. For many years, Bill was a volunteer for the Athens Fire Department and Rescue Squad and also volunteered at St. Anthony School. He was a life member of the (DAV) Disabled American Veterans. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed bird watching, fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles, golf, downhill skiing and "tinkering". He was an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan, and also enjoyed the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Most of all, he loved to travel with his wife, Jean. Survivors include, one daughter, Jolie (Randall) Weiler, Weston; one grandson, Nicholas (Lindsey) Weiler, Loveland, Colo.; one brother, Lawrence Hartman, Athens; one sister-in-law, Margie Hartman, Cross Plains; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Jean, he was preceded in death by one brother, George Hartman; and two sisters, Marie Bachhuber and Margaret Driessen. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens with military honors conducted the by the VFW, Athens and the American Legion, Athens. Friends may call Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Anthony School Adopt a Student Program. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com