Duane L Hartman, 71, passed away Monday, March 14, 2016, surrounded by many loved ones. Duane was born on August 13, 1944, to Leo and Mary Hartman in Paxton. He grew up in Danbury. Duane was the founder and president of Hartland Homes, the largest home builder in Lincoln. He believed everyone should have the opportunity to own a brand new home.

Duane worked on his father's telephone line, the Hartman Telephone Exchange for many years, including converting overhead lines to the new in-ground lines. He attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and graduated from UNL in 1967 with a bachelor's in education and again in 1972 with his master's in education. He taught science, mathematics and physical education in Oakland, and later at Norris school in Hickman.

His career changed drastically when he received his real estate license in 1974 and went to work for a home builder. Ten years later, in 1984, he bought the business and started Hartland Homes. In just 25 years he built approximately 2,400 homes.



Duane had a passion for helping others. During this time he built and donated a house (1999) to raise awareness and funds for the March of Dimes. He also orchestrated the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build in 2006. In 1999 Home Builders Association of Lincoln awarded him the Dan Peterson Affordable Housing Award and in 2006 he received the LIBA's Business of the Year Award. Duane retired in 2010 from home building but continued to develop land.

In July of 1998, Duane married Betty Harder. Both were married previously and through the children of those marriages, they created a big, loving family that was the center of Duane's universe. When not working, he loved to play cards, watch the Huskers and Green Bay Packers and visit with his friends and family.

Duane is survived by his wife, Betty Hartman, his two sisters, Rhonda Marley (Johnny, brother-in-law) and Karen Hunter (Clyde, brother-in law), his children, Mathew Hartman, Lea Barker (Bradley, son-in-law), Andrew Hartman (Jennifer, daughter-in-law), and Ezekiel Hartman.



Duane and Betty's adopted grandchildren, Allie, Kelsey, Katie, Mikka and Jerzee Imhof, his five step-children, Annette Ward (Ron, son-in-law), Bob Taylor, Robin Imhof, Donnette Bottorff, and Janette Wolff (Brien, son-in-law), his uncle Jack Fisher (Dot aunt), 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Leo Hartman and Mary Harris.

The family would like to thank Duane's doctors, Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Fallick, his nurses and staff at Bryan East for taking such good care of him.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at First Evangelical Free Church, 3280 S 84th St, Lincoln. It is Duane's wishes that everyone wear Husker Red and dress casually.