Michael Fisk Hartman

Michael Fisk Hartman passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Paw Paw, Michigan on December 11, 1939; the beloved son of Manley C. “Mike” and Almeda C. (Fisk) Hartman.

Much of Michael’s early childhood was spent away from his father, Mike, who was stationed on a ship during WWII. As he grew, Michael had fond memories of weekends attending family picnics, playing with cousins and friends. He talked about riding bikes, fishing, playing yard games, ball games at Tyler Field, and building go-carts that were raced through town. Many summer days were spent attending Van Buren Youth Camp where his grandmother, Pearl Fisk, served as head cook.

Michael was a proud alumnus of Paw Paw High School (Class of 1957) and a member of the 1956 Paw Paw Redskins All-State - Class “C” football team. Michael was active in band, receiving the National “John Philip Sousa Award.” He performed in school plays, quartets and solo performances and later joined the Kalamazoo Male Chorus. At his PPHS graduation, Michael sang the song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for a fellow classmate, bringing tears to all in attendance.

Michael went on to attend Western Michigan University, studying business, and then enlisted in the US Army (1963-1966), stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and W. Germany earning the rank of SP5 E-5 (T), sharpshooter - rifle and received the Good Conduct Medal. He became a husband to Betty Ann (Root) Hartman and father to T. Michael Hartman and Renata L. Hartman during these years.

After an Honorable Discharge from the US Army, he returned home and continued his employment with the Paw Paw Wine Distributors, retiring in 2012, as General Manager.

Michael was a lifelong member of the Paw Paw Lions Club, where he dedicated his Sundays from 1977 to 2024 as bingo chairman, and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship, (the highest fellowship given by Lions International). He also received the Ken E. Lautzenheiser Fellowship award, and many other awards for his years of service.

In his free time, Michael enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, playing cribbage and cards. He made countless trips to Northern Michigan, UP, Canada and out-of-state fishing with his brother-in-law, Ron Schincariol, cousin, Bill Fisk, son, co-workers, and nephews. He enjoyed golfing with his son, grandsons, Bill Fisk, and friends at Lake Cora Golf Course and courses throughout SW Michigan and out-of-state.

Michael also enjoyed attending numerous academic and sporting events for his grandchildren. He enjoyed Detroit Tigers baseball, Lions football, attended and followed Michigan State University sporting events with his son, grandsons, and other family members. (Go Green!)

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Manley “Mike” and Almeda Hartman, sister, Judith (Hartman) Schincariol.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon (DeHaan) Hartman, son, Michael (Joy) Hartman, daughter, Renata Hartman, grandchildren, Michael Hartman and Matthew Hartman. Stepchildren, Tammy (Jeff) Richards, Chris (Julie) Frank, step grandchildren, Zachary (Hanna) and Zoe Richards, Kirstin (Pat) Smith, Marlena Frank (fiancé, Will Marshall), Shelby, and great grandchildren (Charlotte and Eleanor), and many nieces and nephews. Special thank you to Henry DeHaan and Bill Fisk, who were both like brothers to him, and whom he loved very much.

Michael lived a full life of service to others. He left the community better served through his dedication. He was loved by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held in Michael’s memory on Tuesday, April 29 at 1:30-3:30 PM, with a memorial service at 3:30 pm by Fr. Robert Creagan, at the Adams Funeral Home - Paw Paw, MI. Followed by a reception at the Paw Paw Lions Club at 5:00 PM.

Celebrate Michael’s life online by sharing your favorite stories on his dedicated webpage at www.adamspawpaw.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Paw Paw Lions Club (PO Box 92 Paw Paw, MI 49079) or FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) 7901 Jones Branch Drive Suite 240 McLean, Virginia 22102 or online at: foodallergy.org/donate