Gary Kent Bartels was born July 16th, 1937 to Gladys  and Gerhard Bartels.  He had an older sister named June. He grew up in Milwaukee WI playing with his friends in the alley. As he got older they would walk to the park to play and sometimes ride the city bus.His dad would take him to see cowboy movies at the nearby theater. He went through school and graduated from Bay View High School in 1955.  From there he entered the army and served for three years. When he got out he worked at American Motors.  Because the Milwaukee plant closed, he transferred to the Kenosha plant which ultimately became Chrysler.  He met Mary Salm through friends and they married in August of 1969.  In 1976 he became the father of Becky Ann Bartels who died of cancer at age 29.  He will always be remembered as a fabulous husband, a proud father, a sincere friend, and for his quick wit which brought smiles and laughter to many people.  He is survived by his nephew and wife, Alan and Pam Schlinder, his niece Diane Valley, and their children and grand children, as well as some cousins, and Mary's surviving family members.  He was definitely met by many family members in Heaven.  Contributions could go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Because of the "Stay At Home" policy presently, this is how I'd like you (if you wish), to participate in a memorial celebration for Gary: On May 11th at 6:30 in the evening, take your prayer card and recite the prayer remembering Gary in a special way. Doing this, we're safe, but "Alone Together". Love and God bless – Mary