Duane 'Dewey' Darrell Hartman, 85

Duane "Dewey" Darrell Hartman, 85, of Whitefish was called home to be with the Lord on Aug. 21, 2025.

Dewey was born in Newport, Washington to George S. Hartman and Edith R. Elmer on Jan. 7, 1940. He spent his childhood years in Riggins, Idaho; Chewelah, Washington; and Whitefish, where he was a star athlete in basketball, baseball, and track.

After graduating from Whitefish High School as a proud member of the class of the "Great 58" where he met his wife Sandra, Dewey continued his education at the University of Montana where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He and his family were then on to Hawaii where he earned a master’s degree in the same field.

Dewey went on to dedicate 37 years of his life to teaching, sharing his love of learning with students in Honolulu, Outlook, Missoula, and Whitefish. He had a deep commitment to his students, and he loved every minute that he spent in the classroom.

After retirement, Dewey’s former students would often stop him on the street, in the grocery store, or wherever their paths crossed to say, "Hello, Mr. Hartman!" He always welcomed these encounters, taking a moment to catch up and let each student know how happy he was to see them.

Dewey also remained active in his community, serving on the Whitefish Lake Shore Committee, the Whitefish Library Board, in the Big Borthers program, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish. He loved to spend time with family and friends riding both bicycles and motorcycles, was an avid runner, spent several winters enjoying the Arizona sun, and planted and cared for a small apple orchard next to his home.

Dewey’s faith was the foundation of his life, and he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, and we are forever grateful for the time we were given with him.

Family meant everything to Dewey, and he was the heart and soul of those he held dear. He was the beloved husband of Sandra Joy Hartman for 67 years. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Douglas Hartman (Bena), Pamela Shaw, and Gregory Hartman; six grandchildren, Amanda Ramers (Adam), Andrew Shaw, Alisha Shaw, Vail Hartman, Laya Hartman, and Bethany Hartman, and two great-grandchildren; siblings, Bernard Hartman (Kay), Dwight Hughes (Lorinda), and Jerry Saterlie (Barb); and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Dewey's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 at First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish, 301 Central Ave. To send online condolences, please visit (austinfh.com).