Bartel, Henry H. (1901-1977)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1977 Feb 24 p. 11

Birth date: 1901 Feb 20

text of obituary:

HENRY H. BARTEL

Henry H. Bartel was born on Feb. 20, 1901 to John B. and Sara Bartel near Hillsboro, Kan. He attended the Siberfeld School and graduated from the Hillsboro Bible Academy.

On June 3, 1917, he was baptized by Elder John Plenert and received into the Johannestal Mennonite Church which later became a part of the Trinity Mennonite Church of Hillsboro. He remained a faithful member until his death.

On Sept. 4, 1927, he was married to Linda Erna Penner. They began their life together on a farm eight miles north and two miles west of Hillsboro. Three sons, Floyd, Alfred and Marvin, were born to this union. On Dec. 4, 19141 his wife and infant daughter were called to their eternal home which left him a widower with three young sons.

He later found a life companion and mother for his sons in Dora Ewert and they were married on Jan. 20, 1943. They continued living on the same farm with farming as their occupation. A son, Dean Allen, was born to this union adding more joy to the family. However, on Aug. 17, 1948 his second son, Alfred, drowned while attending a youth retreat. He was 15.

As a husband and father, Henry led a life rooted and centered in God. Always much interested in the church and missions, he served in his congregation as church treasurer and Sunday school superintendent, and taught Sunday school as long as his health permitted. He also enjoyed singing in the choir and men’s chorus for many years.

He enjoyed farming and participating in civic and community activities. In 1954, when he became ill, the doctors diagnosed his illness as Parkinson’s Disease. In 1958 he and Dora reluctantly sold out their farming operation and moved to their present home in Hillsboro.

In 1963 he submitted to surgery in the hope of relief, but was left completely helpless instead. For the next 13 years he was lovingly cared for by his wife Dora in their home until his death on Jan. 29, 1977. He reached the age of 75.

Henry was the last of his brothers and sisters to pass from this earthly life. He leaves his wife and three sons, Floyd and wife Pearl and their four children of Hesston, Kan., Marvin and wife Delores and their three children of Goshen, Ind., and Dean of Arvada, Colo.

It was our father’s desire to leave to his sons not only material goods, but also a spiritual heritage to use and pass on to others, that they might live an abundant life for Jesus Christ and their fellowmen. — The Family.