Joseph L. Bartels Sr., 78, De Pere, passed away on Sunday morning, January 11, 2015. He was born April 13, 1936 to the late August and Emma Bartels. Joe was a graduate of West De Pere High School, and spent one year in the Seminary as well as 3 years serving his country in the Army while stationed in Germany. In 1960 Joe married Helen Whiting, the mother of his children, and she preceded him in death. In 1981 Joe married Rosemary "Rosie" Bloemer. He retired from Green Bay Western & Fox Valley Western and Wisconsin Central Rail Road after 37 dedicated years of service as a Locomotive Engineer. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, as well as a 3rd Degree member of the Abbot Pennings Council #3955 of the Knights of Columbus, where he enjoyed selling Christmas Trees and working the KC booth at Lambeau Field. After retirement Joe and Rosie took care of Jimmy and Elizabeth, both special needs kids. They also loved to travel, bowl during the winter, and golf in the summer to keep busy. Joe was also fond of his 14 year old Yorkie named Tiger, who will now keep Rosie company.
Joe is survived by his wife Rosie, his children; Terry Neighbours (Fianc Roger Schott) and her daughter Amanda Scharenbroch; Lori (Scott) Laha, and their children, Nicole Laha (Fianc Zack Bergeson) and Ryan (Gabrielle) Laha; Joseph Bartels Jr. and his children, Brooke Hester, Joseph Bartels III (Fianc Lisa Laurent), Ashley Bartels; Barbara (Cory) Merryfield, and their children, Sara, Marissa, and Jacob; as well as 7 great grandchildren. Joe's stepchildren further survive; Mark (Mary) Bloemer and their children, Stephanie (Mike) Van Zeeland, Kurt Bloemer ( Emily Curry); Lorna Gerke (Fianc Jeff Dickert), and her children, Kristy (Jeff) Dugre, Sara (Kyle) Norman, Jenna (Zach) Duesler; Pete (Vicky) Bloemer; Joe (Louanne) Bloemer; Steve (Lori) Bloemer and their children, Kaitlyn Bloemer, and Kelly Bloemer; Lisa Bloemer and her children, Heather Wierschke, Hannah Wierschke, Heidi (Derek) Van De Hey; as well as 18 step great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his siblings; Harvey (Judy) Bartels, Edna Verhoven, Bernice Verhoven, and Linda Krause, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister; Rachel (Gordon) Kempf, and brothers in law, Sylvester Verhoven, and Dick Verhoven, and Mike Krause.
Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, Corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive, De Pere after 9am Wednesday January 14, 2015. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. RYAN FUNERAL HOME, De Pere is assisting the family.
Special thanks to Harv and Judy, as well as Maple Ridge (especially Sue and Lori) for helping me through Joe's illness. He so looked forward to Whopper Wednesday's when the coffee, laughter and "lies" were in great abundance. The family requests no flowers please. Memorials should be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Bay Area Humane Society.
