Bartel, Jacob J. (1895-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jan 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1895 Aug 20

text of obituary:

JACOB J. BARTEL

Our husband and father, Jacob J. Bartel, was born at Janzen, Nebr. on Aug. 20, 1895, to John and Maria Bartel and passed from this life on Jan. 2, 1959, reaching the age of 63 years, four months and 13 days.

in September 1907 he came with his parents to Meade, kan. to pioneer on the western prairies and resided here for the remainder of his life.

Through hearing and a personal study of the Word of God he came to realize his lost sate and while a relatively young man accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. Thereupon he was baptized and accepted into the Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite Church of Meade on July 145, 1917. When later the Emmanuel Mennonite Church was organized he became one of its charter members, to which fellowship he remained loyal to the end. He became known as a man of conviction and integrity and especially careful to carry out every word of promise when once given.

Along with many other young men of his day he answered the draft call of his county during world War I. This brought with it many trials and hardships. Even during that time he maintained a cheerful disposition among his associates. This characteristic gained for him many deep and lasting friendships.

On Feb. 10, 1921 he was joined in marriage with Lizzie J. Rempel. Together they shared the sorrows and multiplied joys of over 37 years. To this union were born 10 children, four sons and six daughters, who are all living to the present day. The welfare of the children was always a deep concern to our father.

He enjoyed comparatively good health until a few years ago when a heart condition set in. Even this he overcame to the extent of being able again to resume his work on the farm, thus providing for the family. On Jan. 2, while outdoors taking care of livestock, he had occasion to exert himself physically, which was followed by a heart attack, causing his death soon after coming back into the house.

He leaves to mourn his early death, his wife; four sons, Peter and Martin, both of Meade, Andrew of Kansas city and Albert of Smithville, Ohio; six daughters, Mary (Mrs. Henry M. Reimer) of Meade, Kathrine of Kansas city, Margaret (Mrs. Bern. B. Reimer) of Meade, Bertha of Newton, Kan., Elizabeth (Mrs. Clifford Bitikofer0 of Hesston, Kan., and Esther of the home; three sons-in-law and three daughters-in-law; his aged parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Rempel; his remaining two brothers, Peter and John, both of Meade; five sisters, Agatha (Mrs. John Harder), Kathie, Mary (Mrs. J. R. Classen), Agnes (Mrs. A. L. Classen), and Anna, all of Meade; 15 grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Both his parents, a brother and one grandchild preceded him in death.

He will be greatly missed by all of us and by his many friends. Though we do not understand why he was taken from us so early and suddenly, we submit to God's plans now and in the future. He has been translated from the toils of earth to God's kingdom of light and rest where we want to meet him again. — The Family.