John Bartelt
John M. Bartelt, age 94, of Marion, passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
To sum up a person’s life story in a couple paragraphs is a daunting task; to tell of the legacy left by John Bartelt is near impossible. “Coach” John Bartelt was called up to the major leagues on Monday, Sept. 4.
John Milton Bartelt was born and raised in Marathon. He graduated from Marathon High School and attended UW-Stevens Point where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn his masters in mathematics from UW-Madison. After serving in the U.S. Army Professional Support Division, he returned to Marion in 1953. He spent his time teaching math at the local high school and coaching basketball, football, and baseball. Soon after beginning his teaching career, he met the love of his life, Patricia Klopstein, on a school bus. They were married July 21, 1956. Together they raised and loved five children.
During the 70 years of calling Marion his home, John was very involved in his community. He held numerous leadership roles in the Lions Club, Legion, Legion Baseball, Little League and church council. John inspired generations of students and athletes who were lucky enough to have him as a part of their journey. Many of those same individuals became lifelong friends. After teaching, his days were filled with baseball bus trips and other special trips with wife, Pat. He also loved golf and bowling leagues, cards with the guys, and cheering on all the Wisconsin sport teams.
Of all the teams and players John coached over the years, his favorite team was his family. He enjoyed camping and road trips with his children in the growing up years. Those trips evolved into the annual week at the lake, where his entire extended family spent time together boating, playing cards, and enjoying late afternoon happy hours. Holidays were joyful events where he shared story after story and had a joke for every situation. The daily cribbage game with his bride kept his competitive streak strong and phone calls, emails, and visits from his family were highlights in his days. He often reminded whoever he was with that they were his favorite. Truth be told, he was ours too.
John Bartelt will be ever missed by many. He was an inspiration to those in his circle and often shared life lessons on and off the field. He valued community and relationships and genuinely invested in both. The way he told the good ol’ groaners with a sparkle in his eye will be a memory kept close. John lived a life of no regrets. He loved hard, lived a life of integrity, and cherished time with those he loved. As per John’s wishes he was surrounded by family in his last days under the care of hospice. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Dan Kraeger and ProMedica Hospice as well as Cornerstone Care for loving and caring for John. He is survived by his “favorites”: his wife of 67 years, Patricia; son: Tom (Sandy) Bartelt, Mt. Horeb; daughters: Beth (Dan) Kraeger, Custer, Karen (Chris) Hanley, Grafton, Mary Bartelt, Fond du Lac & Diane (Dennis) Federwitz, Clintonville; grandchildren: Hannah (fiance, Nathan Duplayee) Bartelt, Katie (Eric) MacKay, Kinden (Isaac) Vazquez, Tyler (Callie) Kraeger, Sean (April) Hanley, Ben (Gus Hirschbock) Hanley, Callan Hanley, Nathan Federwitz & Morgan Federwitz; and great-grandchildren: Ellie, Evan, Asher & Owen MacKay and Bo & Kai Vazquez.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb F. & Ruth M. (Weber) Bartelt; sisters: Joyce Rosso & Mary Butler, and brothers: Jim & George Bartelt.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion, with the Rev. Karen Reimer presiding. Military honors was conducted following the service at the church by members of the American Legion William Bertram Post #198 of Marion.
As per the family’s wishes, no formal visitation was held prior to the service. Friends gathered at the church just prior to the memorial service on Friday.
A private family interment took place at Greenleaf Cemetery, Marion, prior to the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bartelt Memorial fund, which will be used to invest in the community of Marion.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Marion, is assisting the Bartelt family with arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
Paid obituary 141938
