Obituary

Remembering Steven Hartman

Steven Hartman, aged 72, of Hudsonville, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Steve was a devoted man of faith who spent several years serving as a church planter and pastor, sharing his love for the Lord and ministering to others. He later served as Executive Director of Transportation for Hope Network for 28 years, where his leadership and dedication touched the lives of many throughout his career. Outside of his work and ministry, Steve had a lifelong love of aviation and was an avid Michigan football fan. Above all, Steven treasured his family. He deeply valued the time spent with those he loved and the memories they created together.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Hartman, and brother, Jamie Hartman. Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Joy; children, Brent and Tracey Hartman, Chris and Jil Hartman, Ryan and Dana Hartman, Matt and Kelli Hartman, Kyle and Katie Hartman; 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Katie and Samuel Wicker, Kyle and McKenna Hartman (Maverick, Alana), Emily Hartman, Austin Hartman, Maggie Hartman, Gerrit Hartman, Gabriel Hartman, Asher Hartman, Josh Hartman, Trevor Hartman, Haylie Hartman, Harper Hartman; father, Alfonse and Carol Hartman; sisters, Karen and Giuseppe Girgenti, Suzie and Phil Dodson, Catherine and Chris Mathias; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Chapel Pointe, 3350 Baldwin St., Hudsonville. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday, September 28 from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Grace Christian University. 

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Funeral Service

Tuesday, September 29 · 11:00am

Location

Chapel Pointe

3350 Baldwin St.
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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we have missed Steve guidance and ambition at Hope network transportation. The lord Jesus christ has gained a true advocate for grace and comfort for others; May the lord bless Steves family and all who came to know his kind gentle soul.

— Daniel Kenneth Fry

So sorry for your loss. Your dad will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

— Christy Pennington

We are very saddened by the passing of Steve. He will be missed. He is now with our LORD Jesus Christ. Already busy for the LORD. We saw Steve & Joy at his dad's a couple of times. He and Bill had a great time reminiscing about old times when they spent summers together. I had a wonderful visit with Joy, so proud of her children and grandchildren. She is such a lovely person. Im happy I got to know you Joy. Joy and family may God bless you all and God be with you at this time.

— Bill & Sandi Sweeten

Catherine and Christopher, Bill and I are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers as you honor the life of Cat's brother, Steve.

— Selma (Mathias) Ferris

Steve was more than a friend to me—he was like a brother It is hard to believe that nearly 30 years have passed since I last saw him. Yet, even after all these years, the memories of our friendship remain close to my heart. I remember Steve and Joy and the special times we shared. Our twins were about the same age, creating an even deeper connection between our families. I also remember spending time in the basement at Steve’s house, redoing furniture together. Those moments may have seemed simple at the time, but they have become treasured memories—small pieces of a friendship that have stayed with me throughout the years. Steve was a pastor and a man of deep faith who devoted his life to serving God and caring for others\. But to me, he was also simply Steve: my friend, my brother in spirit, and someone I was truly blessed to know. Although life took us in different directions and I had not seen him in 30 years, I never forgot him\. Some friendships remain meaningful even without constant contact. Time and distance cannot erase the bond we shared or the memories we made. My heart goes out to Joy and the entire Hartman family during this difficult time. I pray that God will surround them with His love, comfort them in their grief, give them strength for each day, and carry them through the days ahead. Steve, I wish we could have had one more opportunity to sit together, talk, laugh, and perhaps redo another piece of furniture in that basement. I would have loved to hear about the years that had passed and to tell you how much your friendship has always meant to me. I am grateful for the years we shared, for the memories we made, and for the friendship God gave us. Steve’s life touched many people, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace till we meet again, my friend and brother. You will never be forgotten.

— Lou Vandermolen

My thoughts and prayers to Joy and children and grands. Our loss, heavens gain. Fly high my friend, fly high. PJ

— Patricia Johnson

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I will always remember our teenage years at Grace Bible Fellowship Church that followed with attending Grace Bible College together. Our many eventful trips from Virginia to Michigan are part of precious memories. It was so good to see you both at Uncle John's funeral. Joy, you and your family are in our prayers, sending love and hugs.

— Sheryl Burleson Crim

I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. As a struggling early to mid teenager I attended Christ Church in Jenison. Steve was such a good man and was more of a mentor to me than I’m sure he ever knew. We had a couple of chats while fishing that I have carried with me ever since. He was the real deal and proof that some individuals bring a little extra light to this world. Sending love and peace to his family durning this difficult time.

— Seth Hoopingarner

Dear Joy and family, we are so incredibly saddened to learn of Steve’s suddenly Homegoing. Such eternal joy for him, but such sorrow for all who are this side of Heaven. We pray that God’s comfort will surround and sustain all of you as you grieve. Praise God for the sure hope we have in Christ. Our love and prayers to all of you. 🙏❤️

— John & Cheryl Tooke

We grieve, but not as those without hope. Steve had a way of making you want to be a better person. And you left conversations and interactions with him as a better person. Sic transit gloria mundi. Requiescat in pace et gaudeat coram Deo.

— Jonathan Fennell

There are no words to express how important Steve was to his family. Family was everything to him. Steve would talk for hours about his kids and especially the grand and great grand children. We would share stories daily of our kids and grands and what escapades they were up to. Steve was my mentor, friend and comrade in office and governmental politics. He was such a bright candle in this crazy world. His love and energy will live forever. RIP my friend.

— Debbi Coleman

I am deeply saddened by this news. Steve and I enjoyed a ministry partnership that spanned almost 40 years. He's been a good friend. He's rejoicing in heaven. But he will be deeply missed here. Prayers for all of his family.

— Clint Abbott

May God's comfort and peace be with all you during this time of loss. May Steven's legacy live in your hearts always

— Mike Letherby

Matt and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Keeping the entire family in our thoughts and prayers,

— Scott Brown

Matt and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Keeping the entire family in our thoughts and prayers,

— Scott Brown

Dear Joy, our hearts flooded with grief when we heard the news. We have loved the two of you for over 50 years, our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

— John and Peri Stitzel

To Steve's family and sisters, I was so surprised to open up my computer this morning to learn of his passing. I am so sorry; he was far too young. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Love, Auntie Carolyn

— Carolyn A Stoviak

Kyle we are so sorry to hear the passing of your dad. Our prayers are with you and your family

— Shanns

Rick & I will miss seeing Steve at Hudsonville Lanes when we bowl on Friday mornings with other seniors. He was always kind, friendly and always had a smile. You could see he loved his Savior. He will be missed.

— Tammy DeJong

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