Bartel, Melvin L. (1930-2009)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2009 Sep 21 p. 9

Birth date: 1930 Mar 12

text of obituary:

MELVIN L. BARTEL

Melvin L. Bartel, 79, died Aug. 13, 2009, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton, Kan. He was born March 12, 1930, to Albert C. and Rosina (Gaeddert) Bartel in Hillsboro.

He was a Bethel College campus kid, graduating from Newton High School in 1952. He ran the movie projector in high school. He enjoyed playing volleyball coached by his teacher, John Ravenscroft. His father was a builder at Bethel College, and he enjoyed helping with building the Bethel College Library and Goering Hall. He worked at Mennonite Press for 20 years, had lawn mowing customers, and was assistant custodian for Bethel College Mennonite Church for 13 years.

He was a lifetime member of Bethel College Mennonite Church. He ran the public address system for 42 years and witnessed more weddings and funerals than anyone else in the church. He changed the clocks for many years and also helped with installing the organ.

He was a member of the Harvey County Historical Society. He ran the clock for basketball games at the Newton Activity Center and tournaments for Western District Conference. He was well versed in railroads, cars and ocean liners.

Survivors include two sisters, Ruth Ann Giggy of Panhandle, Texas, and Thelma May Bartel of North Newton; a brother, Lewis Clark Bartel and his wife, Darlene, of Albuquerque, N.M.; two nieces; two nephews and three grandnephews. Memorial services were held at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Inurnment was in the Bethel College Mennonite Church Columbarium.