DuWayne E. "Bart" Bartel

DuWayne E. “Bart” Bartel, age 86, of Wautoma passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

He was born May 7, 1938 in Wautoma, the son of Edwin and Amanda (Slife) Bartel. Bart had an older brother Victor Bartel who preceded him in death at age 67. He was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Wautoma and later confirmed at Martin Luther Church in Oshkosh.

Bart lived on the family farm where he was born until age 3 years old. His family then moved to Oshkosh where he grew up on the south side. He was a 1956 graduate of Oshkosh High School where he played football and baseball. After high school, he worked at Morgan Door Company. He was laid off so he joined the U.S. Army and later served five years in the Army Reserves.

He met the love of his life, Rosalie Jean Rose at the Dakota Dance Hall on Labor Day weekend in 1959 and they were married on September 24, 1960. They were married for only one year when he was called back to the Army and he was honorably discharged in August 1963.

Bart was employed by Pluswood/International Paper for 41 years. He retired at age 62 as Manager of the Oshkosh and Marshfield facilities. He and his wife purchased a cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma in 1967 and they later built their current home on the lake in 1998. They loved Silver Lake. 

He was a faithful member of both Martin Luther and Peace Lutheran Church. Between the two, where he served on the Church Council for 30 years and the Board of Elders for 25 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean Bartel, Wautoma; two children: Scott (Samantha) Bartel, Iola and Colonel Lisa Bartel, stationed at Sembach, Germany; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Bartel, Wautoma, Mary Rose, Neenah; brother-in-law, Thomas (Patricia) Rose, Wautoma. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Amanda Bartel; one brother, Victor “Vic” Bartel, and by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Clifford and Rosalie Rose.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church, 335 W. Prairie St., Wautoma from 12 noon until the time of funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Military Honors will follow at the church. Burial will be at Dakota South Cemetery, Town of Dakota.