Natalie Hartman

Natalie Burt Hartman, daughter of Caleb and Maria (Burt) Briggs, was born June 10, 1921 in Assonet, Massachusetts. She grew up and received her schooling in Fall River, Massachusetts, graduating in 1940. Following high school, Natalie attended one year of business school and this is when she met Vincent Hartman while roller skating. In November of 1942, Natalie enlisted in the United States Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in Boston. She was one of the first women to enlist in the program and was among the first to be trained at the new basic training camp in Florida. Natalie served in North Carolina, Georgia, Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, Tacloban, Leyte and Manila. She received an honorable discharge in September of 1945. On January 12, 1946, she was united in marriage to Vincent Hartman. To this union four children were born. In October of 1946, the couple bought a farm in Everglade Township in Stevens County. They lived on the farm until 2007, when they moved to West Wind Village in Morris, MN. Vincent died on December 23, 2009 and Natalie has continued to live at West Wind Village until the time of her death.

Natalie enjoyed dancing, playing cards, entertaining, listening to music and gardening. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Natalie died on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, Minnesota. She lived to reach the age of 89 years.

She is survived by three sons: James (Susan) Hartman of Farwell, Lawrence (Connie) Hartman of Chokio and Brian (Pam) Hartman of Lindstrom; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and two sisters: Eleanor Higgins of Waltham, MA and Clara Nichols of Alexandria, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son: Peter Hartman; one brother: Stephen Briggs and three sisters: Charlotte Boutell, Julia Douchette and Constance Briggs.

Pallbearers for the service are: Arlene Lillis, Dustin Hartman, Heidi Louwagie, Holly Carrington, Steven Hartman, Christine Mahoney, Matthew Hartman, Alicia Hartman and Sarah Hartman. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Hartman, Marietta Hartman, Connie Loy and all who called Natalie friend. Amy Blackwelder will serve as organist for the service with Tom Horning serving as song leader. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.