In loving memory of

Don Bartels

October 9, 1935 - April 29, 2016
Don Bartels

Don Bartels

Born: October 9, 1935
Died: April 29, 2016
Age: 80
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     Donald Herman Bartels, age 80, of Lytton, IA, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2016, at Loring Hospital in Sac City.  Don was born on October 9, 1935, to Herman Rudolph and Hazel Dorothy (Kruckenberg) Bartels, joining his sister Donita, and later Russell and Sandra were born to this union.  He was baptized November 3, 1935, and confirmed his faith April 2, 1950, at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton where he remained a life-time member.  Don graduated from Lytton Consolidated High School with the class of 1954.

     In his early years Don ran a milk route for the Lytton Creamery and in those days milk was put in those large milk cans.  He earned his name “Big Don”, as he was 6’9” and a big, strong man.  A story that was told about Don was while some men could dump one large milk can, Big Don could pick up two and dump them at the same time.  For a period of time he worked on constructing farm coop elevators.  He returned to what he loved most, farming.  He took great pride in his crops and fields, living on the home place where he grew up.  Don enjoyed boating with friends, snowmobiling, riding his Harley Davison Motorcycle and was always ready and willing to help others.  He cleaned snow off the church parking lot and for many other people for numerous years, and helped mow the north cemetery.  He liked to stay busy and soon started his sideline business, cutting old steel, scrapping and building burn barrels.  You could easily pick him out in a crowd, especially because of his stature and also because of his white hard hat which was his trade mark.

     Don had a stroke a few years ago, but would not let that get him down.  By his strength and determination and help from friends and family, he was able to return to his home place, and even drive his pickup again, by adapting the controls to his disability.  He was definitely one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

     Survivors include his sister Donita Feldman of Rockville, MD; brother Russell Bartels and wife Patricia of New York City, NY; sister Sandra Erlewine and husband Robert  of Brownsville, OR;  nieces and nephews: Warren, Gregory, Linda Raye and Joey Sue; extended family members; and many friends.

     Don was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

     Your work is done Big Don, rest in peace.

SERVICES
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church
Lytton, Iowa

Memorial contributions will be directed to the church.
OFFICIATING
Reverend Ben Worley
VISITATION
4-7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
St. John Lutheran Cemetery
Lytton, Iowa  (North)

Condolences

Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 6:10 PM
“I met Big Don at the Carroll Cycle Center in Carroll, IA. in the early 1990s We both had a Harley and got to talking. Started riding together and hanging out. I left the area in 2004, but we kept in touch by phone calls to each other once every three to four months. I'd stop by his house once every couple of years when I got back to Iowa and was in the area. I decided to call him today and found out the number was no longer in service. So sorry to hear Big Don has passed away. He was a great friend. ”
- Nolan Bloemendaal
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 1:35 PM
“Don worked for me as a bouncer at a place called the DOCK-IT in Lake View back in the 70's. He was so well liked and respected by the bar patrons and staff at the DOK-IT. I will never forget the time 2 patrons were in a heated argument and Big Don stepped in between them and grabbed both by their shirts raised them up in the air and said, "We don't allow any of this type of stuff in here boys". They were both in awe of this gentle mountain of man and the quarrel ended right there. Don, all is peaceful in heaven and so you can rest peaceful. LOL - Arnie Woerdehoff”
- Arnie Woerdehoff
Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 3:18 PM
“Big Don, Bullets, Poor Man....just a few names he went by. Quite the character. To know him was to like him, most of the time. His opinion mattered. He shared it, no matter the situation. One always knew where he stood. Where he stood? Was higher than most. His physical appearance made everyone take note....standing at 6'8" or 6'9", 300# at one time in his life. This giant man, was friends to many. He was helpful. He enjoyed good food with good company. Traveled many a gravel road. Observed his neighbors and friends planting and harvesting their fields for hours on end. Deep down he was wishing it was him out there in the field. Don didn't let his health stop him from doing things. He got the help he needed through family and friends. He would be specific on what he wanted done and best not to do anymore. He felt the need to pay for what was done for him. One person he would deal with refused his cash on occasion and Don expressed to my husband one time that Nolan should take that money for helping me. Tim said to Don, Nolan told him that it's ok to just do stuff for someone and not expect anything in return. I think the old man learned a lesson that day. I only knew Don for 23 years. From the get go, he was a friend. He became family. My family appreciates all he ever did for us. I am sure many people have stories to tell of Big Don. I for one would love to hear them. Rest in peace Big Don. I'm sure you are planting your fields in heaven. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to plant yours. Until we meet again.....”
- Tim & Darsi
Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:22 AM
“R I P BIG DON”
- Charlie tuna
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