Renate K Hartman-Hurd

Born Renate Katharina Krapp in Solingen, Germany to parents Mathias Wilhelm and Frieda Emma Krapp, June 7th, 1940. Upon her death August 2nd, 2021, in Brooksville FL she was 81 years and known as Renate K Hartman-Hurd.

Renate is survived by her son Roy Muller of Portland, OR, his spouse Lany and his children Sarah, Jack, and Benjamin. Moreover, her brother Dr. Werner Williams of Grobenzell, Germany his spouse Ulla, their daughter Kaarina and her dearest friend Charles Palmer. Renate was preceded in the death by her husband of 26 years, Don J Hurd in 2015 and leaves behind the families of Brian, Steven and David Hurd with six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Renate was born in Solingen Germany but spent the first six years of her life in the village of Grossostheim, near her grandparents, primarily because the industries in Solingen were targets during WWII. After the war and the birth of Werner, in 1946 the family moved to Aschaffenburg (near Frankfurt), where Renate's father opened a carpentry shop and did projects for stationed US forces.

A representative of the Army convinced her father to move his family to the US and in May 1955 they settled in Miami. The family name was changed from Krapp to Williams and her father started a carpentry business there.

Renate attended North Miami High School and graduated in 1958. She studied at Barry College in Miami, where she graduated in 1962 with a B.A. After graduation, Renate became a high school English teacher and then an airline stewardess. She met and married Jim Hartman whom she described as her “first love”. Both found significant success in the employee staffing industry. Jim Hartman died suddenly in 1974 and it changed Renate's life going forward. Later in the mid 1980’s Renate married Don J. Hurd and together they established Snelling Personnel Services in Tampa. Until retirement, the couple brokered job opportunity for youth and experienced professionals.

Renate will be remembered as a strong and independent woman who didn't hesitate to take charge. She was loyal to the Miami Dolphins during good times and bad (post Marino). Renate enjoyed serving the community and was deeply involved with Tampa Kiwanis for 25 years. She treasured long-term friendships. Her quick wit and sharp retorts will be forever remembered. As many will attest, Renate had high standards and those who know her will forever reach higher. When an individual passes, all that is left are the ashes and the story. Renate's story and her life will impact those lucky to have known her.

Memorial services for family and friends will be held  Thursday, August 12, 2021, 10am at Merritt Funeral Home, 4095 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL. Renate will be interred with Jim Hartman in Fort Wayne, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tampa Kiwanis Foundation, 4532 Kennedy Blvd., #183, Tampa, FL  33609 www.tampakiwanis.org 

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ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRTT FUNERAL HOME

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

(352)686-6649

"Family Owned and Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com