Dean DeVere Hartman

Dean DeVere Hartman

Fairfax

Dean DeVere Hartman, 91, of Fairfax, entered into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, April 6, 2025 after a short illness at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids.

He was born on May 12, 1933 in Olive Township, Elkhart County, IN, to Harold and Ruth (Leinbach) Hartman. He graduated from Wakarusa High School, Wakarusa, IN in 1951 and Goshen College in Goshen, IN in 1955. He earned a Master of Science degree from Purdue University, Lafayette, IN in 1964, and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1972.

On August 17, 1958, he married Donna Barkey at Olive Mennonite Church, Elkhart, IN. He cherished her for 60 years, until her passing in 2019.

Dean taught science and math at Bethany Christian High School, Goshen, IN from 1959 to 1968. From 1972 to 1998, he was a Science Education Consultant at Grant Wood Area Education Agency, supporting teachers and students in eight eastern Iowa counties. His idea for kits that would give students hands-on learning experiences became the Kids Doing Science Project, which preceded the Van Allen Science Teaching Center. In his retirement, Dean consulted for Drake University, Des Moines, until 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna and her family, and his brother Max (Brenda) Hartman.

Dean is survived by his wife, Rachel Munger-Hartman, who brought joy and companionship to his latter years. Their marriage on May 24, 2020 was the first virtual ceremony at Stonebridge Church. Also surviving are children Sarah (Scott) Yoder of Middlebury, IN, Rachel Smith of Newberg, OR, Mark (Sharon) Hartman of Colorado Springs, CO, and Elizabeth “Libby” (Lowell) Underwood of Fairfax; stepson Shawn Munger of Solon; 12 grandchildren, Nicole Yoder, Jesse (Stephanie) Yoder, Nathan (Shelli) Yoder, Anthony Yoder, Carmen (Christopher) Hawk, Josiah Smith, Jadon (Gracie) Smith, Leya Hartman, Wesley Hartman, Hannah (Colin) Hilk, Bethany (Jack) Kester, and Abigail Underwood; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother Keith (Kathy) Hartman of Blairsville, GA.

Dean knew Jesus came to save people of every ethnicity, so he loved them, too. His time serving refugees in post-WWII Germany and Austria in Mennonite Central Committee’s PAX program forever impacted his worldview. He and Donna treasured the friendships he formed there, and with people from all over the world during his post-graduate studies. They hosted exchange students from inner city Chicago, Europe, and South America. Their home knew no stranger.

Summer workshops afforded Dean’s family the opportunity to travel, creating memories in many National Parks and cramped station wagons. He took special pleasure in visiting family and friends throughout his life.

Dean committed his life to Christ at age 13. He was a member of the Mennonite Church in Indiana and Cedar Hills EFCA/Stonebridge Church, Cedar Rapids, serving in multiple leadership capacities. He first taught Sunday school during college and continued for 65 years. His faith, wisdom, and humility inspired many. He served on many boards, including Keys to Living and Hidden Acres Christian Center.

Dean was a gifted conversationalist, listening more than he spoke. When he did, it was with grace, kindness, and humor. He saw the best in others and was genuinely interested in them. 1 Corinthians 13 is God’s definition of love, and Dean was a living, breathing example.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Gardens of Cedar Rapids and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care of our loved one in his final days.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Stonebridge Church, Cedar Rapids, Pastors Robin Tyner and Randy Scheil officiating. A luncheon will follow. Friends may visit with the family Friday, May 2, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stonebridge Church, and Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., prior to the celebration. Graveside service and burial will take place Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. EST at Olive Cemetery West, Elkhart, IN, followed by a luncheon at Olive Church.

Memorials may be directed to Stonebridge Church, 1829 Stoney Point Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 or Hidden Acres Christian Center, 3837 Union Ave., Dayton, IA 50530.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.