It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara J. (Wiwi) Hartmann, age 83, on September 3, 2024. Born and raised on a farm outside of Liberty, Barbara carried the values of service for others, hard work and integrity throughout her life. 

She attended Billingsville Elementary School and College Corner High School in Indiana. In 1963, she earned a B.S. degree in dietetics from Marian College in Indianapolis. She married her husband James H. Hartmann on Oct. 23, 1965 and raised a wonderful family of five children in Glenview, Illinois. She easily acclimated to being a Chicagoan by following the Cubs and Bears but never forgot her roots as a Hoosier by keeping up with news from home, watching basketball and following crop prices.  

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As an active member of St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church, she participated in numerous activities and outreach programs, embodying the spirit of service and compassion: Finance Director for Parish Board, School Board, Parent Club, Treasurer and formerly President of the Women’s Club, SCL Golf League, Bridge Club, Gardening Committee, Eucharistic Minister and, more recently, coordinating the development of a new cookbook. She was even selected by her parish as Woman of the Year in 2000, celebrating her years and numerous volunteering hours. 

She showed her love for others through acts of service both at work and home.  As a dietician, she made an impact on the health of others for years, beginning during her internship at the Veterans Administration in Maywood, and continuing through her creating and leading the hot lunch program at Saint Catherine Labouré School in Glenview. Barbara was an engaged mother who was always eager to help and give sound guidance. She led extra-curricular activities for her children, such as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and softball coach. She also enjoyed using her hands by sewing, quilting, golfing, playing piano, cards and baking with her grandchildren. An avid gardener, Barbara found solace in tending to her bountiful flowers and vegetable garden. Her green thumb was matched by her keen mind. After Jim retired from 38 years at National Tool & Mfg., she worked at the Womens Centers of Greater Chicagoland as the Business Manager from 2001 to 2018.

Barbara is survived by her husband, five children (Paul Hartmann, Anna Rogers, Peter Hartmann, Alicia Bishop and Anita Hartmann), 10 grandchildren and one brother (Steve Wiwi), who will forever cherish her memory and the lessons she imparted. She was preceded in death by her parents (Stanley and Melvina Wiwi) and brothers (Robert and Joe Wiwi).

On Friday, September 13, 2024, a visitation will be held from 4pm to 8pm at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home at 1240 Waukegan Road in Glenview where friends and family will gather to celebrate Barbara’s remarkable life.  On September 14, 2024, at Saint Catherine Labouré Catholic Church at 3535 Thornwood Ave in Glenview, visitation will begin at 9:15am, followed by mass at 10am.  After the memorial service, a funeral procession will continue to her final resting place at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery at 8115 Niles Center Road in Skokie.  Reflecting Barbara’s lifelong commitment to helping others, the family requests that donations be made to Kendall County Special Olympics (www.kcsofamilyandfriends.org) or St. Catherine Labouré Parish (stcatherinelaboure.com).

Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those she touched. 

Paid obituary