Fred Bartels, age 79, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at his home in Riceville, Iowa.
Frederick John Bartels was born on January 4, 1944 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Clarence and Irene (Opat) Bartels. Shortly after Fred was born, Irene and him moved back to Iowa to live with his grandparents (John and Elsie Opat), while Clarence remained on active duty with the United States Army.
Fred attended country school until 8th grade and graduated from Riceville High School in 1962. Following graduation he farmed with his Dad and Grandpa Opat. In 1964, he was united in marriage to Marlys “Marlie” Lubbert. Together they had four children: Rick, Colleen, Allison and Trent.
Fred spent a year working as a feed grinder in Elma, Iowa. Later moving to Rudd, Iowa where he worked for a farmer for three years. Following this they moved to Riceville where he worked for Lenz Implement for 20 years. Fred was always a hard worker; working as a mechanic for many years. He worked on combine, tractors, cars and lawn mowers. He loved to fix things and get them running again. He was able to continue his working career at Gansen’s Auto, working on vehicles and buying cars for about three years. Fred then decided to start his own business, B & B Motor Sales. Fred had some heart issues and sold the business after a couple of years. Following his recovery he went to work at the Osage Hospital until his retirement.
In 1998, the Bartels’ experienced a great loss with the death of their son, Trent. This was a very difficult time for their family.
Fred had his own struggles as he went through three back surgeries, preventing him from working for a few years. Later in life he experienced his first heart attack in July 2022, followed by a second heart attack and two strokes. This slowed Fred down as he remained ill for some time.
Fred enjoyed going to the races with his sons. He also enjoyed rummage sales and collecting tractors. Fred loved to mow lawns and was able to do so until the summer of 2022.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Marlie, his children: Rick (Lisa) Bartels, Colleen Wessman and Allison (Tim) Zweibohmer, eight grandchildren: Ashley Bartels, Tyler (Paige) Bartels, Derek (Kaitlin) Wessman, Dylan Wessman, Carter, Caleb, Claire and Camry Zweibohmer, four great-grandchildren: Kenli, Nova, Theo and Charlie, a brother Jim (Kathy) Bartels and a sister Connie Bourassa.
Fred is preceded in death a son Trent, parents Clarence and Irene (Opat) Bartels and his father and mother in-law Bernard and Adeline (Wallace) Lubbert.
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