Hartmut Norbert Pannwitz, 78, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on April 23, 2023. Hartmut was born on September 4, 1944, in Germany.
Hartmut was preceded in death by his stepson, Steve Martin.
Hartmut is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pannwitz; step children, Rocky Martin Sr. and Kimberly Smith; grandchildren, Rocky Martin Jr., Josh Smith, Amanda Martin, Heather Elliott, and Dawn Martin; great grandchildren, Brody Smith, Kaylee Stutts, Sophie Smith, Zale Rollins, Rocky Martin III, and Colton Martin; special friends, John Rhine and Fred Haalch; and so many more that are too numerous to mention, but that he loved so dearly.
Hart was born in Mainz, Germany, and was an avid soccer player in his youth, and he also loved table tennis. He started working as a bricklayer, then later becoming a truck driver. Hart spent 10 years working for the the U.S. Army in Germany. He was a member of First Assembly/Lake City Church in Mooresville for 25 years. He was involved in many areas of serving at the church, including working with children, parking, and men’s group ministries. Hart assisted with the Royal Rangers program for boys, and volunteered for the Iredell Senior Center for many years, where he would be a wonderful Santa Claus! He volunteered at Brian Center and competed in the Senior Olympics for numerous years, where he won many metals that he was proud of. Hart was a devoted, faithful, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His main love was the Lord, his wife, and his family and friends.
Hart’s cellphone ringtone was Amazing Grace, and his go-to phrase was “Victory in Jesus.” He was honest, caring, giving, humble, extremely kind, never met a stranger, loved so many friends, and loved America. Carolyn, his wife, was always his top priority. Hart’s grandmother, whom he loved with all his heart, was instrumental in leading him to the Lord as a child. Hart was an advocate for Jesus and the Lord’s work. He would pray for anyone, anywhere, and always say to everyone “Have a Blessed Day!”
Services for Hartmut will be held at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Pannwitz family.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.
My husband and I are so sorry to hear of his passing. We loved him so much. We are the ones who made him the apple pie. May God give you all comfort and strength during this difficult time.