William R. "Dick" Hartt

William R. "Dick" Hartt
Bay City, Michigan

William R. Hartt passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 7, 2021 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Midland with his family by his side at the age of 92. Dad was born October 20, 1928 on the family farm in Wilmot, Michigan to the late John and Maude Hartt. He was the youngest of 13 children, was a farmer until the age of 18, and attended Oxford High School. In 1948 he joined the United States Navy and served four years, the last 2 during the Korean Conflict. After an Honorable Discharge, he worked at IBM Corporation for over 37 years. He was a member of Joppa Lodge #315 F&AM and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason for more than 58 years. Dad enjoyed working outdoors and still considered himself a farmer right to the end of his life.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending their athletic contests and school activities. He really enjoyed grandparents' day! He was a fixture at John Glenn High School baseball games and followed them all around the state. Dad lived by the Golden Rule, always helping others while asking for nothing in return. We lost a great man who we will really miss but his lessons will live on.
Left behind to cherish his memories are his three sons and three daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Dawna, Zachrey and Lisa and Matthew and Trisha Hartt; his grandchildren, Phillip, Kali, Ahyra, Jacquelyn and Audie Hartt, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Thyra Grey Hartt whom he married February 18, 1956 and she passed away February 16, 1998; his brothers and sisters, James "Mac", Bertyl "Bert", Harry, Marian, Walter, Audrey, Jack, Lila, Daisy "Juanita", Howard, Betty and John "Jay".                                .
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. followed by graveside committal services and military honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the United States Navy at Heavenly Rest Cemetery in Kawkawlin. Officiating will be Chaplain Patrick Steffen. The family will be present at the funeral home to receive family and friends on Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. We are currently still under the Governor's executive order of social distancing , wearing of face coverings and limited to 25 visitors in the chapel at one time, you  may experience a brief wait while paying your respects. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to John Glenn Baseball. Online condolences may be shared on our website www.gephartfuneralhome.com