Philip William Hartman

Philip William Hartman entered into the presence of his Savior on the morning of September 22, 2026. Born on September 10, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Phil was the son of Edward and Wilhelmine Hartman.

Phil grew up surrounded by a loving family and the close-knit community of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he also attended grade school. At the age of twelve, he began playing golf with his father, a pastime that became a lifelong hobby and a source of many cherished memories. He attended Concordia Lutheran High School, Valparaiso University, and then began his career at GTE. He continued his education at Miami University in Ohio, while also spending time with Karen Hohenstein who became the love of his life. Phil and Karen were married on June 19, 1976, and from that day forward, they lived as beloved husband and wife, enduring joys and sorrows, sickness and health. In 1983, Phil moved his young family to Jacksonville, Florida, after accepting a position with American Transtech, where he worked in finance for seventeen years. During that time, Phil and Karen began attending Christian Family Chapel with their four children. Their love for the church and its people, led Phil to serve as an Elder and the Minister of Shepherding. Phil was also actively involved as a Biblical Counselor at the Hope Center and continued to counsel in his retirement, helping people find Hope in the midst of difficult situations.

Phil’s love for God and others was shaped by his own physical heart journey. As a child, Phil experienced sickness, which weakened his young heart and left doctors uncertain about his future. As an adult, he endured numerous surgeries to mend his heart. Through these trials, Phil and Karen trusted God. In December of 2020, Phil’s heart was failing. But God in His goodness allowed Phil to receive a heart transplant on June 5, 2021. Phil treated everyday as a gift and cherished the time spent with family and friends. Even after a catastrophic bike accident left him paralyzed, Phil chose to fight for his recovery. He shared the love of Jesus Christ with family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. He lived to glorify God.

Phil was preceded in death by his father, Edward Hartman, his mother, Wilhelmine Hartman, his sister, Anne Horstman, and baby son, John Edward Hartman. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen Hartman, and his children: Joel and Dororthy Hartman (Camp, James, Ben); Faith and Bob Donnelly (Davis, Thomas); Paul and Brooke Hartman (Lettie, Chase, Drew); Elizabeth and Weston Williamson (Hartley, Lilly, Zoey). He is also survived by his brother Steve (Suzy) Hartman, brother-in-law, Randy Horstman, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Phil’s prayer was to leave a legacy of faith for future generations. Phil’s life was defined by his love for God, his devotion to Karen, his children and grandchildren. He cherished being a Papa and found great joy in gathering together as family. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts, until we reunite in the presence of our Savior.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, September 28 at 11am at Christian Family Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hope Center at Christian Family Chapel or to Christian Family Chapel’s building fund.

Hope Center at Christian Family Chapel: https://pushpay.com/g/cfcjaxflorida?src=hpp

Christian Family Chapel Building Fund: https://cfcjax.com/building-project/