Bartel, Johnnie M. (1927-1999)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 16 Sep 1999 p. 11

Birth date: 1927

text of obituary:

JOHNNIE M. BARTEL

Johnnie M. Bartel was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Hillsboro, Kan., to John and Susie Friesen Bartel. On April 18, 1943, upon his confession of faith, he was baptized and received as a member of First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1944. On Jan. 20, 1950, he married Myrta Klassen at First Mennonite Church of Newton.

As a youth he gained a passion for farming. That passion grew when he anticipated incorporating sons in the family farming endeavor. His gregarious nature put people at ease and resulted in a vast, circle of friends. Many special relationships were developed with landlords over the years.

Church held a central theme in his life. He served as a deacon and a trustee and on various board and committees, usually serving beyond what was expected. He was a member of the planning committee and first board of the Mid-Kansas Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale, where he served for many years. He soon organized and set up the Miscellaneous Auction Building at the MCC sale, a position into which he poured all his energies. He was instrumental in the formation of the Western District Conference Agri-Urban Board He was a willing respondent to the call of Mennonite Disaster Service.

Johnnie’s faithful attendance and participation in church activities served as a strong example to his family. Johnnie and Myrta created a Christian home of love, happiness and laughter.

Johnnie died July 25, 1999, in Tulsa, Okla, after a brave battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Myrta; four sons, Ron and his wife Brenda, Marlin and his wife Cheryl, Doug and his wife Pam, and Brad and his wife Rita; a daughter, Kathy and her husband Joe Zimmerman; 13 grandchildren; and three sisters, Elda Bartel, Rosa Thimm and Helen Bargen. He was preceded din death by a sister, Wanda Swanson.