In college, Gustavus Adolphus College, he enjoyed intramural soccer and helped organize a club volleyball team. He also volunteered at a local health clinic for low income people. He graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Physics from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota in May of 2007. He had been accepted to attend Creighton Medical School in Omaha beginning in August of 2009. He had planned to travel to New Zealand this September (2008).
Matthew worked for the Creighton Diabetes Center until May of 2008, and was currently working in Minnesota for the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. He enjoyed golfing, hiking, canoeing, snowboarding, video games, photography and being with his many friends.
Survivors: parents - Doug and Kathy Hartmann of Fremont
brother - Brad and wife Nicki Hartmann of Omaha
sister - Becky Hartmann of Fremont
grandparents - Bob and Norma Korth of Fremont
aunts, uncles, and 27 cousins
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Delores Hartmann and Darlene Hartmann.
The funeral service will be 10:30 Thursday July 10, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont with Rev. Michael Thomas and Vicar Diana Kuhl of Salem Lutheran Church officiating. The committal will be later in the Hooper Cemetery. A memorial will be established in Matthew's name for educational scholarships.
Visitation will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont on Wednesday (July 9th) from 3 to 8 PM with the family present from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Condolences(47)
Seth Richtsmeier
Newton, MA Friday, July 18, 2008 Matt, I wasn't very close with you, but you seemed to have your mind in the right place with your studies and extracurricular activities. And I respect that. I'll always remember playing video games in the office at work.Rachel Larson
Saint Peter, MN Monday, July 14, 2008 I just found out about Matt's death and am sorry so to hear of your loss dear family and friends. Know that I will keep you all in my prayers asking God to give peace and comfort as you grieve. Chaplain Rachel S. LarsonAdam Leech
Boston, MA Sunday, July 13, 2008 Matt was truly a class act: always friendly, kind, and thoughtful with his conduct. His time with us was extremely valuable and I'm lucky to have known him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. God Bless.Virgil & Dee Wagner
Fremont, Ne Thursday, July 10, 2008 This wish is that God would grant you peace knowing that He loves you even when we don't understand.Scott and Andrea Wagner
Woodland Park, CO Thursday, July 10, 2008 Doug, Kathy, Brad, Becky, and Nicki, The thoughts and prayers of so many are with you guys during this very difficult time. Matt will be greatly missed, but also greatly remembered.Mitch and Nicole (Tamke) Davis
Liberty, MO Thursday, July 10, 2008 Doug, Kathy, Brad, Nicki, and Becky - You have been and will be in our thoughts.Clayton and Amy Glause and family
Fremont, NE Wednesday, July 9, 2008 We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful young man! May all the good memories warm your heart and surround you today and in the days to come.Don & Jan Ortmeier
, Wednesday, July 9, 2008 To the Family of Matthew Hartmann At this time of Sorrow "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:7 Our sincere sympathy to your family and Grandparents, Bob & Norma Korth, friends for over 40 years. We are so sorry. Love & Prayers, Don & Jan OrtmeierDon & Jan Ortmeier
Fremont,, NE Wednesday, July 9, 2008Leo and Kathy(Coday) Geaghan
Fremont, NE Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Kathy and Doug, Leo and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. I'm disabled at this time so will not be able to attend the funeral. Leo and I have a 22 year old son and I can't imagine the pain you are in. You are in our prayers and if there is anything we can do for you let us know. God bless, Kathy Coday GeaghanSpence McGrath
Clear Lake, MN Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Matt- As shocking as it was for your family and friends to be stripped of you, I know that a person as altruistically compassionate, kind and genuine as you belongs in a place like Heaven. You were there with me from our 'greeter group' as freshmen, through intramural soccer and futsal teams, as well as various social functions throughout college, and right through Senior Week festivities. I cannot believe the world only had the brevity of your time with us to experience a guy as profoundly wonderful as you! The way you epitomized benevolence and integrity to everyone whose life you touched, helped us realize the kind of persons each of us should aspire to be. God will be with you- always! You show those angels a thing or two about soccer, bud! And, um ...save me a spot on the bench? Love Always, -SpenceKim Bodeau
Eau Claire, WI Tuesday, July 8, 2008 My heart is broken for you right now. We are so sorry that your family has to face such a tragic loss. There are no words that offer comfort right now, but please know that I hold you all in my heart and that I hope you are engulfed with the love of friends and family as they hold you up. Our son was David Bodeau, Sawbill name: Davey and he died in May 2007 at Sawbill. We met Matt at Sawbill and he came down with the crew to David's funeral. I am so sorry. Oh, how I wish you did not have to be bearing this news, this nightmare. I doubt if it is any comfort, but I would like to think that David was there for Matt when he died. I know it is no consolation. There is no consolation right now. Just take one breath at a time, let others help you as much as they wish and know that you are not alone. Love to you all, Kim and Don BodeauKent & Terri Hoeneman
Craig, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Our sincere sympathy Doug, Kathy, and family. Losing a child is indeed a very hard thing and certainly not the order of things. I can't even imagine how awful it would be if you did not have your faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We will all meet in heaven...what a comforting thought. Praise the Lord, Amen.Donna Walker
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 May God comfort all of you at this sad time. "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." ---Joshua 1:9Jill McDuffee
St. Louis, MO Tuesday, July 8, 2008 To the Hartmann family, I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was an amazing person and will be greatly missed by many. We shared many classes through high school and a few in college. I remember it being so great to have his friendly and familar face on campus at Gustavus, especially our first semester. I have fond memories of Friday nights at the Buck and a few car rides back and forth to Fremont from college. He was a genuinely nice and kind person and I will definitely miss his sense of humor. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.Eleanor Bash
Minneapolis, MN Tuesday, July 8, 2008 I am so sorry for the loss of someone so loved. You are in my thoughts as you struggle through this hard time.Chelsey (Johannsen) Bang and Tyler Bang
Omaha, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. I was a classmate of Matt's and had a few classes with him. I remember him as extremely smart and very friendly. Tyler was a teammate of his and has fond memories of him as well. He will be missed greatly.Perry Kathy Anlis Alika and Keenan Hartmann
Redwood Falls, MN Tuesday, July 8, 2008 God BlessMike Funk
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Doug, Kathy & Family.....so very sorry for your loss. Such a tragic thing to happen to someone so young. Remember Matt from school & sports. Such a fine respecful young man. I know you were so very proud of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Savannah Wissig
Omaha, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Matt was a wonderful person and a pleasure to be around. He will forever be missed.Larry Nelson
Elkhorn, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 We are so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. You and your loved ones are in Betty and my thoughts and prayers.Tessa Wolff
Austin, TX Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Matt- Your kind spirit and gentle soul will always be remembered. Your sense of humor and quick wit brightened many days. Thank you for being a phenomenal person. You will be greatly missed. Love, TessaMike and Shirley Leibert
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 WeI have no words that can come close to provide comfort at a time like this. We can only barely imagine given the love we have for my own children what a loss like this means to another parent. Shirley & I sincerely believe that death can not take away the love of a child or the life shared with them. That the love we shared with them will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Please know also that our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family. Knowing that life always moves on, we pray that your sorrow may eventually pass away, but that the happy memories remain forever.Jeremy Gierke
Elkhorn, NE Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Matt will always be remembered for being the kind, caring and incredibly bright and talented individual that he was. He touched many lives, including mine. Rest assured that he made a difference in this world and that he will be missed greatly. My prayers and thoughts are with you. God will bring good out of this horrible event. God always keeps His promises, and only he can see the big picture. Grace and peace be with you all.Michael Purdham
Berkeley, CA Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Matt- I still cannot believe you are gone. I keep hoping to wake up and find this is a very bad dream. I will never forget the time we spent together - studying physics, grilling in the backyard at the Buck, traveling to Colorado, watching movies, tossing a frisbee, playing video games, and so much more while living the good life in college. I'm glad I had the honor of being your friend. I looked up to you and strive to be as great a person as you. You will be missed dearly.Melissa Bendig
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 Mattie- I'm still in disbelief that you are gone...I will never find a friend as unique and special as you. You will always be my Melvin and my Mattie. I love you and I will never forget you. Thanks for being a special part of my life.Holly Cooper
Eagan, MN Monday, July 7, 2008 Hartmann- YOU meant the world to me. It hurts so bad to imagine life without you in it. You were my partner in crime, pretty much my other half that was crazy enough to take me on all sorts of adventures. You made me who I am and who I am proud to be today. I gave you so much of my heart, but I could have given you so much more. I miss you and your smile more than you can ever imagine. I just want to let you know that I will ALWAYS remember all the times we shared together and that I will always be your Hozzle.Joe Brown
Sioux Falls, SD Monday, July 7, 2008 Kathy, Sorry to hear of your tragic loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Chaplain Joe BrownAlex Flynn
San Diego, CA Monday, July 7, 2008 Matt was a brilliant guy that influenced many of us.Rosie R.
, MN Monday, July 7, 2008 I just wanted to extend my most sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends. Prayers and best wishes from one of Karen K's friends on the Iron Range in Northern MN.Edie Ronhovde
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 Kathy, Doug and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.John Tran
Chicago, IL Monday, July 7, 2008 It was a shock to hear the news, rip Matt..it was great to have known you through the yearsKorey Leland
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My world has been shattered, my life turned upside down. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, your family, and friends. I enjoyed having the privilege of growing up with you. You have always been there for me Matt, and I am so proud to call you my good friend. You always knew how to make me laugh and put a smile on my face, you knew me so well. I will never forget about you buddy. The memories of the times we shared together will forever be with me. You meant so much to me buddy, my life will never be the same. I love and miss you so much. Thanks for being my buddy.Aaron Leech
Livonia, MI Monday, July 7, 2008 I am so blessed to have known someone as special as Matt. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Adam Norenberg
Sioux Falls, Monday, July 7, 2008 Matt was the best, as a friend and a teammate. He will be deeply missed.Kelly (Bang) Brohimer
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 I was saddened when I heard the news about Matt. I have MANY fond memories of him. He was a very sweet little boy and as the years passed it is obvious he became an exceptional young man. It truly is a privilege to have known him. May all of the wonderful memories you have of Matt comfort you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Annalisa Peck
Schroeder, MN Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. Our entire community is deeply saddened by the events that took place that night. May God look over you and take great care of your son, brother and friend.Rod, Mary, Beverly and Brittany Newsam
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 We were devastated to hear about Matt, and our hearts hurt along with yours. He was a special young man. We are praying for you all.Matt Parkert
Omaha, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.Ashley Morrison
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time. Matt was the most wonderful person i have ever known. He always had an easy smile on his face and a nice thing to say. i feel honored and privledged to say i knew him! Independence Day will no longer be just about celebrating our freedom but celebrating his life as well.Tiffani (Hull) Brown
Portland, OR Tuesday, July 8, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear of this loss in your family. My prayers are with all of you as you sustain each other during this time. Nothing I could say can make this easier for you, but I hope that your memories of Matt and the time you had together will speed the healing process.Beth Carlson
Gretna, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers go to all of you in this time of sorrow. May God's love give you peace.Mike and Phyllis Holman
FREMONT, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 May God sooth your broken hearts, as only He can do.Jill Norenberg
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Matt was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.Emily & Ward Wageman
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time. We didn't know Matt, but Doug was so proud of ALL his children and bragged many times at Kiwanis meetings about them. We are so sorry for your tragic loss.Jonathan Grau
Chaska, MN Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Matt was a kid you never forgot after meeting him one time. I had one class with him, I believe sophmore year. He left a lasting impression just through my interactions with him in the class. My thoughts and prayers got out his family, through God we find the strength. God BlessDon Durand
Fremont, NE Monday, July 7, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. Matt was so special and never forgotten.