08/29/2023
Hi everyone, it is heartbreaking to post this message.
Jonathan Hartmann (known as “Jon” to some and “Hartmann” to others), class of 1997, passed away on July 21, 2023, two years after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 48 and a resident of Lafayette, California. At Kenyon, Jon double-majored in Psychology and Political Science. He joined the Peeps O’ Kenyon in 1994 and served as the co-president from 1995-1996. He loved Kenyon, and the Peeps in particular, and returned for many reunions.
Jon was a uniquely kind and positive friend to all who knew him. He made friends easily and kept them in perpetuity. An Eagle Scout, he maintained a commitment to “helping people at all times.” Jon loved baseball, the outdoors, military history, but perhaps music most of all. He was a constant in the music scene at Kenyon -- helping bands find gigs and playing guitar on stage or in his dorm. He was always happy to talk music, particularly if the conversation veered to Black Sabbath, his favorite band. Jon had such authenticity, intelligence, energy, and myriad interests that he could talk to anyone about anything. He loved spontaneous and inspired conversation, and would never shy away from challenging someone’s comments if he felt they were out of line, or simply lacked nuance.
Born in New Jersey, but raised in California (and a California boy through and through), Jon returned to the Golden State after graduation, settling in the San Francisco area, where he met his true love, Claire, whom he married in 2015. Their daughter Violet was born in 2018, and Jon found a new focus for his love and pride.
Jon is survived by Claire and Violet, his parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. He is remembered with love by his family and his wide circle of friends. We all miss Jon for his passion and his kindness, and hope he is still rocking out to Iron Man. 💜
