David A. Bartel

David Allen Bartel, age 86, of Wautoma, passed away Tuesday morning, April 2, 2024 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

He was born September 1, 1937 in Racine, the son of Ervin A. and Rose (Polimadei) Bartel. He married the former Lois L. Wandrey on April 11, 1981 at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma. She preceded him in death on August 27, 2020.

David attended Washington Park High School in Racine. He served his country in the Army from March 13, 1956 until his honorable discharge on March 9, 1959. Dave was a tool & die maker and machinist by trade. He owned and operated a farm for a number of years west of Plainfield before becoming employed at the former Nelson Industries in Wautoma in the mid 1970s, where he worked in the Sample Department for 30 years until his retirement. Following retirement, he enjoyed working field sales for the Battery Shop in Montello.

David had many hobbies including woodworking, carpentry, welding, fabricating, gardening, fishing, fly tying, boating, etc.  He will be remembered for his ability to design, create, build and fix just about anything. He enjoyed working in his shop and helping his family and friends. Dave was active with Waushara County Crime Stoppers, Red Cross, 4-H and the National Wild Turkey Federation.  For many years, he served on the Waushara County Fair Board where he ran the fair’s grandstand productions including the truck and tractor pulls.  He was also a supervisor on the Dakota Town Board. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by four stepsons whom he dearly loved and they loved him:  Aaron Bohn, Redgranite, WI, Brian (Penny) Bohn, Holmen, WI, Daron (Adrienne) Bohn, Appleton, WI and Ryan Bohn, Cameron, WI; grandchildren:  Barret (Juleigha) Bohn, BriAnn (Alex) McNaughton, Jesse Schafer, Cassie Schafer, Arden Bohn and Miles Bohn; one great-granddaughter:  Haven Bohn; one sister: Nancy (Gerry) Hansen, Mt. Pleasant; one brother: Daniel (Sandy) Bartel, Dousman; brother-in-law: Dale (Vicki) Wandrey, Wautoma. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents:  Emil and Minnie (Pflugradt) Bartel and Enrico and Lorenza (Chieruzzi) Polimadei.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma with funeral services at 1:00 PM with Rev. P. Michael Thomas officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Dakota South Cemetery, Town of Dakota.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King for their care, kindness and friendship over the past 17 months.