Joel T. Hartman

Joel T. Hartman, of Northville, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2024.

Joel was born on November 23, 1967, in Waukesha, WI, and grew up in Oconomowoc, WI. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School, class of 1985, and went on to further his education at Carroll University, where he earned a football scholarship, and later at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Joel was an army veteran who served his country honorably and deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. After his military service, he built a diverse career spanning construction, restoration, and information technology.

Joel was the scaffolding that supported his family as they made multiple domestic and international moves to support his wife’s career. He was a proud dance and softball dad, known for his unwavering generosity and willingness to help, family, friends, and neighbors. Joel’s strong carpentry skills earned him a well-deserved reputation as the go-to person who could fix anything.

Joel loved golfing and traveling with friends and family. A passionate football enthusiast, he cherished cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. His sharp intellect and witty sense of humor brought smiles to those around him. Joel made family vacations unforgettable, and especially loved destinations like Captiva Island, FL, the Caribbean, and Europe. A devoted husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, nephew and friend, Joel's kindness, love, and laughter will be missed profoundly.

Joel is survived by his wife of 23 years, Rachel; his daughters, Maggie and Stella; his god-daughter Olivia Thompson; his aunts Sharon Blake-Nikcevich, Sue Coleman-Blake and Debbie Johns; his sister Noelle Schickowski; his mother Vicki Hartman; and numerous extended family members and friends. He loved deeply - and if you knew him, you knew it.

Although Joel is no longer with us, he will live on in our hearts forever. Celebrations of life will be held in Michigan and Wisconsin with details to follow. To share thoughts and memories and to find future service information, please visit casterlinefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Joel’s name to Next 18 , a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, at Next18.org/donate . Their mission is to use the sport of golf as a catalyst to provide mental wellness education to first responders and veterans.