Pamela Elise Hartema

Pamela Elise Kinkaid Hartema, 74, of New Hartford, Iowa, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Waverly Health Center after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. She was born on May 30, 1951. Pam was united in marriage to the love of her life, Lonnie Hartema, on February 16, 1973, and together they shared nearly 53 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with devotion, laughter, and deep family bonds. She is survived by her husband Lonnie; her daughters Kimberly Sheehan, Kory (Brian) McElfresh, and Kristal (David) Graves; her cherished grandchildren Tyler, Nathan (Misty), Makenna, Drew, Lukas, and Zachary; bonus grandchildren Kevin, Sean, Ryker, and Skylar; her brothers Russell (Mary), Tim (Julia), and Nick; her stepsister Sandy; and many “adopted” grandchildren who lovingly knew her as Grandma Pam. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson Brady; her mother Florana; her father David; her stepfather Eugene; her stepmother Jackie; and her stepbrother Bobby. Pam devoted many years to being a stay-at-home mother and grandmother, pouring her love, time, and energy into her family and the moments they shared together. She later served her community as a librarian at the New Hartford Library and retired after working in food service at Kwik Star. No matter the role she held, Pam gave her heart fully and treated everyone she met with warmth and respect. Her greatest joy was being the best mother and grandmother possible. She was a devoted, fun-loving, kind soul who truly never met a stranger. Pam had a special love for animals and cherished her many beloved pets, especially her Yorkshire Terriers. She also enjoyed cheering on the Denver Broncos, sharing laughs, and making others feel welcome and loved. A Celebration of Life will be held in an open house format on Saturday, February 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the New Hartford Community Church Fellowship Hall. A private burial service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations may be directed to the family and will be distributed between Cedar Valley Hospice and Bartels Retirement Community in Pamela’s memory. Pam’s legacy of love, generosity, and compassion will live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Pamela Elise Hartema

May 30, 1951 - February 5, 2026