Naomi C. Hardman

Naomi Hardman was a redeemed child of God who believed that, by His grace, God sent his son Jesus to earth to become our substitute, to live a perfect life, to suffer and die in our stead, to save us from our sins, and to rise again showing us the promise of heaven. Naomi was God's gift to her Christian parents, Pastor Edwin and Mrs. Irmgard (Pape) Breiling, on December 13, 1943, in Geneva, NE. She entered God's Kingdom through Holy Baptism on December 25, 1943, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church (Geneva). "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." Mark 16:16. After receiving instruction in the doctrines of God's Word, Naomi was confirmed in the faith into which she had been baptized at Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Two Rivers, WI) on April 14, 1957. Her confirmation verse is Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Naomi attended elementary school at Randolph Elementary School (Randolph, WI) and St. John's Lutheran School (Two Rivers, WI). She attended Manitowoc Lutheran High School (Manitowoc, WI) for the first three years of high school and finished her final year in 1961 at Northwestern Preparatory School (Watertown, WI). She graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College (New Ulm, MN) in 1965, where she had trained for the teaching ministry.

She served the Lord teaching children the good news of Jesus at Grace Lutheran School (Yakima, WA), Immanuel Lutheran School (Tawas, MI), and St. Peter Lutheran School (Schofield, WI). She was also privileged and blessed to serve as organist, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher in various WELS congregations. Helping with church functions, altar guild, and serving as a counselor at Camp Basic brought joy to her heart.

On June 17, 1972, God provided her with a faithful, God-fearing John Clay Hardman as her companion in this life. Her father united them in marriage at St John's Ev. Lutheran Church (Bay City, WI). Their marriage was lovingly blessed with three children. It was her special joy and delight to watch them grow in the Lord and serve Him. It was also her great joy to see the "children of her heart" (former students) bringing their young families to church. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 4

The Lord faithfully has delivered Naomi out of this world of sorrow by taking her soul to be with him in heaven on June 26, 2026. His amazing gift of her time of grace numbered 82 years, 6 months, and 13 days. We pray that the Lord would "teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12.

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years. She is survived by their three children - Jennifer of Tempe, AZ, Aimee of Milwaukee, WI, and Christopher (Denise) of Ringle, WI, along with two grandchildren, Nicole (Tristin) and Neil Hardman. She is also survived by one sister, Janet (Joel) Fredrich of New Ulm, MN, and five nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by both her parents and a sister and brother-in-law: Karen and Ronald Shilling. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25

The service of Christian funeral will be held at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Wausau, WI, on July 6, 2026. Her mortal body will be laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery to await the glorious resurrection. Jesus promised, "Because I live, you also will live." John 14:19b

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!