Richard Hardman

Richard “Hardy” Hardman, 85, while surrounded by family and friends, went to spend eternity with his Heavenly Father, Jesus, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Hardy was born on August 23, 1936, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Beatrice (Gray) and Leroy Hardman. He graduated from Stanley High School in Stanley, Iowa. In 1958 Hardy married Ruthann Hurd and they had one child, Richie Todd. Hardy then traveled the country managing a display van for Micro Switch. In 1965, Hardy married Paula Herrmann in Freeport, Illinois and refocused his career becoming the Government Contract Liaison for Micro Switch. Moving to Iowa, he was employed in the trucking industry, advancing to manage several terminals including Briggs Transportation in Cedar Rapids, IA and then in Kansas City, MO where he was promoted to Southwestern Area Manager. He was awarded “Manager of the Year” with Briggs in 1978, 1979, and 1980. The last 10 years of his career he managed at Yellow Freight in the Palatine/Chicago area. After his retirement, he worked as a real estate coordinator for 2 years and then moved to Rockford where he was fairway mower and courier for the Rockford Park District for 10 years. In his spare time, Hardy enjoyed golfing. He played most of the courses within 50 miles of Rockford and designed/built golf clubs for friends. As a member of the Cedar Rapids Bass Masters he competed in monthly tournaments throughout the Midwest. When his career led him back to Crystal Lake, he moved to the Fox River for another round of big boats, big fish, incredible friends, and “the best time of my life”. Hardy also enjoyed hunting and hanging out with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers. He continued to devote hours every week to ancestry research for his family and friends until his passing.  He was a participating member of Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL and then Heartland Church in Rockford where he was active and led a growth group with his wife. Hardy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Paula; son, Rich (Karla) Hardman, Golf Superintendent of Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club of Rockford; and numerous brothers and sisters, nieces, and nephews throughout the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. The family thanks Dr. Baris and staff at Valley Clinic, Dr. Siraj and the Heart Hospital, UW Hospital Rockford (SwedishAmerican), RNA and Jim Gillette for their love and compassion for the past years in caring for Hardy. A Celebration of Life in Hardy’s honor will take place on Monday, December 20, at 2:00 pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois, 61107. A visitation for Hardy will begin at 1:00 pm, until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in Hardy’s name with Rock Valley College. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.