Clara Jo “C.J.” A. Hartman, age 63, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2018 after a courageous two year battle with cancer. She was born in Edgerton, WI, on September 8, 1954. C.J. was the daughter of David and Betty Gajdosik (Teubert).
She graduated from Parker High School in 1972 and UW-Whitewater in 1976, with Degrees in Elementary and Physical Education. C.J. loved teaching and instilling the joy of learning in her students. She taught many different subjects during her career.
She taught first, third, fourth, gifted and talented, eighth grade science, and ended her career teaching elementary physical education. She was a member of the International String Figure Association. She delighted in sharing the stories associated with each figure with children of all ages.
She began her teaching in Bangor, Wisconsin and finished it in the Cherry Creek School District outside of Denver. In Colorado, she earned her Master’s degree and many additional graduate credits. She loved being surrounded by nature and the mountains whether she was hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, or piloting a hot air balloon.
Her smile and her enthusiasm for living were infectious. She loved challenging herself, identifying her limits, and then planning a way to defy them. She competed and coached many women in hiking, swimming, and triathlons.
She was an active member and coach for CWW (Colorado Wild Women) and Team Survivor. She continued coaching when she returned to Wisconsin in 2007 to help care for her Mother. While coaching, she completed Ironman Wisconsin in 2008.
She had the ability to inspire, motivate, and instill confidence in others. She took great pride in helping others conquer their fears and achieve their goals. She was truly a beacon of light in so many lives.
In 2010, C.J. married Philip Gredler. Together, they continued to participate in the many outdoor activities that she loved. She especially enjoyed playing golf, participating in triathlons, bicycle tours, wilderness canoe trips, and open-water swims.
She treasured camping in Wisconsin’s beautiful State Parks with their beloved Bernese Mountain dog, Tucker. She and Phil volunteered as Citizen Lake Monitors for the DNR at Storrs Lake outside Milton. They loved moving in nature together and always showed their immense gratitude for the precious gift of life.
C.J. is survived by her siblings Dale (Joyce) Gajdosik, Columbus, WI, John (Suzanne) Gajdosik, Mesa, Arizona, Linda (Gary) Nordeng, Janesville, Dani Gajdosik (Sister in law) Janesville, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She is also survived by her loving husband, Phil, and his family, Alys and Gerald Gredler, Janesville, Richard (JoAnn) Gredler, Janesville, Gail Gredler (Philip Schradle) Salem, Oregon, Amy Gredler (Marc Smilely) Portland, Oregon, and Phil’s children, Emily Gredler, Madison, and Michael (Abby) Gredler (and grandson, Odin) Sparta, WI. Additionally, she is survived by her former husbands, Gregory Lowe, Hudson, Wisconsin, and James Hartman, Castle Rock, Colorado and both of their wonderful and loving extended families.
C.J. was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Gajdosik, Janesville. A Celebration of Life is being organized at the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville in early September. We will always keep her memory tucked close.
Dear God, Thank you for knitting our souls together. we carry her heart with us (we carry it in our hearts) we are never without it (anywhere we go, she goes…) we carry her heart (we carry it in our hearts) apologies to e.e.cummings Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Mercy Hospice. Their care and concern for C.J. and our family at our home was truly a blessing.
Please consider making a donation in her name to: THYCA – Thyroid Cancer Awareness (www. thyca.org/how-to-help/awareness/) C.J. was an active member of this important organization. or The Foundation for Womens Cancer – www.
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