Donald L. Artman

Donald L. Artman, age 89, of Bourbonnais, formerly of Monee, went home to bewith the Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 6, 1936, in Champaign, IL, the son of Loyde and Verna (Ruder) Artman. He married Myrna Frahm on June 26, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Crete, IL, where he was still a member. In his younger years, he worked driving a milk truck, as a pinsetter at the bowling alley in Crete, and on his uncle’s farm. He then began a career in construction, starting as a laborer, then becoming a superintendent and part owner of Hulett Company in Oak Forest, IL. Don had the gift of coming up with innovative ideas. He was known as a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He mentored and influenced many young men who have come back to tell the family, “Don shaped the man I am today”.

After retirement, he enjoyed membership in the Ford Fordson Collector’s Association for the past 31 years becoming a director of the association in 1999. He has a collection of 44 antique tractors, many of which he and his friends have refurbished. Don enjoyed taking his grandsons; Bryan, Matt, and Mike; to tractor shows as they were growing up. In honor of Matt and Mike, his twin grandsons, he has twin 8N tractors. His grandson, Bryan, has fond memories of operating the first tractor Don ever purchased, an 8N Ford, which is currently being restored.

Donald is survived by his wife of 70 years, Myrna (Frahm) Artman; his 2 daughters, Laurie (the late Calvin) Bisping and Bonnie (Mark) Fox; his 3 grandsons, Bryan, Michael, and Matthew Bisping; 3 step-grandchildren, Nate Fox, Sam Fox, and Sara (Nick) Dadig; 3 step-great-grandchildren, Calvin and Theo Fox and Charlotte Dadig; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry (Carolyn) Artman; 2 sisters-in-law, Elaine Artman and Mary Artman; a special cousin, Karen Sheming; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Monee, IL. Memorials in his name may be given to Uplifted Care Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church of Crete, IL. Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com