Derwin Wilbur Hartman was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 at the age of 89.
A visitation for Derwin will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, followed by the Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wakefield Community Schools.
Arrangements are with Reichmuth Funeral Homes and Crematory, LLC in Elkhorn.
Derwin graduated from Newcastle High School in 1953 with a normal education certificate. With this designation, he taught three years at a country school near Newcastle. Then from 1956-1962 he taught country school west of Ponca. While teaching country school and farming, he attended Wayne State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. It was there at Wayne State College that Derwin met the love of his life, Alice Hasemann. They were married Aug. 11, 1964 and made their home in Wakefield. Together they raised three children: Gwen, Darla and Darin.
Derwin taught at Wakefield Elementary School as a fifth and sixth grade teacher and eventually became the elementary principal. He continued his advanced degrees at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Derwin completed his Master of Education in 1969 and his Specialist in Education in 1974. He became the Superintendent of Wakefield Community Schools in 1980. He devoted his life to education and retired in 1996 after completing 43 years in the field of education. Derwin had many fond memories of his students and teachers over his long educational career. Over the years, he had been reunited with students and teachers and he joyfully shared his experiences.
Derwin was also very involved in the Wakefield community. He was on the City Council, a member of the Lion’s Club and the Sunday School Superintendent and teacher at the Presbyterian Church. In the summers, he painted houses, helped his children mow lawns, walked beans, detasseled corn, and tended his many gardens around town. He loved sharing the bounty of his gardens with others. Derwin’s work ethic was beyond measure as he fostered grit and determination in his own children. Derwin and his family enjoyed their annual summer vacations. He especially loved the mountains and enjoyed his recent trip to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
After his retirement, Derwin and Alice moved to Elkhorn where together they built a home. In his retirement, he loved substitute teaching in the Elkhorn Public Schools. Derwin and Alice enjoyed their golden years by spending time with their children and grandchildren, gardening, and traveling to Branson, Missouri, Texas and the Northeast. Derwin and Alice were active members of the Bethany Lutheran Church. Derwin was a prolific reader and loved historical non-fiction books; his knowledge of historical trivia was unmatched.
Derwin and Alice moved to Esprit Whispering Ridge in August of 2023 due to Alice’s health concerns. Derwin was a devoted husband and caretaker of Alice until her death in October of 2024. After Alice’s death, Derwin became active with Esprit’s social activities. He served as president of the resident council and represented the members of the community by advocating for their needs and concerns. Derwin was kind and caring and loved his new family at Esprit. Derwin’s life was one of service to others; he was truly one of a kind.
Derwin is survived by his devoted children: Gwen (Joseph) Fox, Darla (Travis) DuRee and Darin Hartman; grandchildren: Chloe Healy (Dylan Horrocks), Dalton (Alexis) DuRee, Collin Fox, Dylan (Sarah) DuRee and Carly Fox; his treasured great-grandchildren: Abel Healy, Donna DuRee and Boden DuRee; sister-in-law: Joan Hartman; brother-in-law: Russell Breitkreutz; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by Alice, his loving wife and best friend of 60 years; his parents, Burton and Marguerite Hartman, and siblings, Galen Hartman, Mildred (Carl) Christensen, MaDonna (Harold) Skerrit, Fay Hartman, Shirley (Ken) Hamer and Sharon Breitkreutz.
