Bartel, Laurence Edwin (1931-2014)

Date of Birth: 1931 July 19, Saskatchewan
Date of Death: 2014 November 15, Kansas

Laurence Edwin Bartel was born on July 19, 1931, the fifth child of Edwin and Sarah Bartel in Drake, Saskatchewan. He grew up on a farm near there and attended North Star Mennonite Church where his father was one of the pastors. Two sisters were added to the family after that, bringing the total to two brothers, Erwin and Wilmer, and five sisters, Leona, Erna, Etta, Leila and Myrial.

Laurence committed his life to God and was baptized in the North Star Mennonite Church.

He married Betty Schmidt on November 7, 1953, and they lived briefly near Drake, before moving to Kansas, living in several homes briefly before moving to a house on Berry Street, where they lived for about seven years. They built a home east of Hesston and lived there from the late 1960s until two years ago when they moved into town.

Their children are Bev Regier with her husband, Chuck; Annette Bartel with her husband, Kevin Cherveny, Larry Bartel with his wife, Alyce; and Randy Bartel.

Laurence was active in the life and work of First Mennonite Church in Newton and served in many committees and boards, both at church and in the community. His faith in God remained strong from his youth until his last days.

Most of his working years were divided between working as business manager at Prairie View Mental Health Center and later working with financial investments with Valic.

Laurence passed away quietly at home on Saturday, November 15, 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children: Bev Regier and spouse, Chuck; Annette Bartel and spouse, Kevin Cherveney; Larry Bartel and spouse, Alyce; Randy Bartel; 13 grandchildren and spouses; and four great-grandchildren. Also two sisters, five sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held at First Mennonite Church, 429 E. First Street, Newton, at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2014, with a light luncheon, sharing time, and hymn sing following the service.

Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com Published in The Kansan from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, 2014

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Drake, Saskatchewan
Son of Edwin Samie and Sara (Friesen) Bartel (wife 2)
Married Elizabeth Fern Schmidt 1953 November 7, Drake, Saskatchewan
Business manager -- Prairie View, Newton, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
(no photo)

Sources:
Gen. of John A. Bartel 1976, p. 16 & 18
Johann Klaassen ... Fam. 1987 p. 74,76
Grandma Online Profile 31329