Bartel, Zacharias 1886-1973

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Sep 21 p. 29

Birth date: 1888 Oct 19

text of obituary:

ZACHARIAS BARTEL

Zacharias Bartel was born in Markowczyna, Warsaw, Poland, on December 7, 1886. to Peter and Eve (nee Schroeder) Bartel. On May 25, 1902, he was baptized upon confession of his faith and joined the Mennonite Church of Kazun, Poland. From 1909-11 he served in alternative service in Ananiew. During World War 1 he served as a CO in the forestry service in the Ukraine.

On February 15, 1912. he married Elisabeth Schroeder. Six children were born to them, of whom three died in early infancy. During World War 2 he was arrested and exiled, but could return and was again united with his family. His wife predeceased him in 1941. In July, 1944 he left his home and fled to Danzig. where he stayed until December, 1944, when he was drafted into the German army. In March, 1945 he was taken prisoner of war by the Russians, though he was soon released and allowed to return to West Germany. Here he found his children David and Martha and with them he left Gronau, Germany in September, 1950 to come to Winnipeg, Canada.

After a few years of work his eyesight started to fail him and for the last three years of his life he was totally blind. On July 4, 1973, he became seriously ill and on August 7 he passed away.

He leaves to mourn his passing, one son David and wife Irmgard; two daughters, Martha and Paul Kliewer, and Agneta, all of Winnipeg; six grandchildren; one sister-in-law Mrs. Kornelius Bartel, in Germany; numerous friends and relatives. Two brothers and two sisters predeceased him.