Robert "Bob" Hartman

Robert “Bob” Hartman, 68, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at the Milledgeville Brethren Church in Milledgeville, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, June 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity Christian School.

Bob was born on June 7, 1957, son of Paul and Betty (Haan) Hartman. He grew up working alongside his family on the Hartman farm, which has been rooted in Carroll County for generations. After graduating from Thomson High School in 1975, Bob met the love of his life, Barb Dyson, at a concert at Lake Carroll. The couple married on February 19, 1977, and recently celebrated 48 years of devoted marriage. Together, they built a home and life on the family farm, raising their daughter, Jessica.

A lifelong farmer, Bob also spent years selling seed corn for Garst and Pioneer and was known in the community for his willingness to lend a hand through trucking and custom farming with his brother, Tom. From 2005 to 2023, Bob and Barb owned and operated Carroll County Locker, where Bob became known as the friendly face and conversational heart of the business. He was practically Barb’s PR guy, and loved chatting with everyone who came by on Saturday mornings.

Bob served his community faithfully. He was a member of the Carroll County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Pork Producers, Unity Christian School Board, and the Carroll County Service Board. He also helped found the Carroll County Youth in Ag Foundation. Bob's love for animals, especially cats, was well-known, though modestly admitted.

Bob was a dedicated husband and father, always supporting Jessica in her pursuits, including her passion for horses. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, taking long, scenic drives with Barb along country roads, and attending church.

Bob will be lovingly remembered for his kind heart, infectious smile, his faith, and his unwavering devotion to his family and community.

He is survived by his wife, Barb Hartman of Thomson; his daughter, Jessica (Evan) Hollewell of Thomson; his brother, Tom (Betty) Hartman of Thomson; his step-mother, Myrna Hartman of Geneseo; nieces Kristina and Nicole; nephew Travis; great-nieces Addyson and Kilee; great-nephew Brayden; and his cherished cat and companion, Callie.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Betty Hartman, and his in-laws, Lawrence and Estella Dyson.