Bartel, John C. (1926-2004)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2004 Feb 16 p. 11

Birth date: 1926 May 22

text of obituary:

JOHN C. BARTEL

John C. Bartel, 77, of Meade, Kan., died Jan. 19, 2004, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He was born May 22, 1926, to John B. and Elizabeth T. Classen Bartel in Meade.

He married Katie L. Thiessen on Aug. 30, 1952. They made their first home in Rosenort, Man., where their two children were born.

In 1960 they moved to Meade. He was employed by Home Lumber Co. and later pursued a carpentry career. He built his own house with the help of crewmates Bob and Glenn Feldman. Later he was employed by Hank Remple and then worked together with Bob Wittman until he retired. Not only was carpentry his career choice, but it became his hobby. Many family members treasure gifts he made for them.

He served as a Sunday school treasurer and a deacon for many years at Emmanuel Mennonite Church of Meade, where he was a charter member. He had a heart for missions and supported many missionaries financially and through prayer. He took an active part in short-term mission work projects at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Juneau, Alaska.

When his wife, Katie, was placed in the local nursing home, his mission changed to faithfully supporting her until her death in September 2000.

Survivors include a son, Lawrence and his wife, Lois, of Liberty, Mo.; a daughter, Arlene Ediger and her husband, Laural, of Meade; a brother, Dick Bartel of Reedley, Calif.; three sisters, Marie Bryant of Pratt, Margaret Bartel and Sara Reimer, both of Meade; a sister-in-law, Lillie Bartel of Manitoba; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie; and two brothers, Henry C. Bartel and George Bartel.