Francis "Bruce" Bartels, 88, of Newell, died Monday, November 28, 2011, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Bruce was born May 4, 1923, on the family farm eleven miles southeast of Gettysburg, SD, to Adolph and Virl (Brewer) Bartels. From the moment he was born, weighing three and a half pounds, everyone knew he was a tough old bird.
He was a World War II veteran. On November 10, 1948, Bruce married Elsie Combellick and they raised five children. They resided around the Gettysburg area until 1968 when they moved to Lead, SD.
In 1983, Bruce and Elsie purchased "The Farm" outside of Newell, where they resided until moving into Newell in 2004.
Bruce farmed, ranched, and worked in the timber business most of his life. He enjoyed a variety of things--gardening, fishing, and especially his grandchildren. In the last years, Bruce was known as the "Snakeman." He hunted and cured rattlesnakes. Bruce was also into rock tumbling. His biggest enjoyment was his hound dog, Lucy.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Elsie of Newell; sons, Richard (Emma) Bartels, Sturgis, Barry of Newell, and Wes of Newell; daughters, Rena (Jim) Whalen of Newell, and Susan (Randy) Pickett of Vale; twelve grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and his first-born grandson, Shawn Bartels.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Mr. Brad Scott officiating.