Harold Henry Bartell

THOMASBORO — Harold Henry Bartell, 96, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday (June 5, 2019).

He was born in Stanton Township/rural Urbana on Dec. 6, 1922, to Bart and Wilma (Janssen) Bartell. He married Annetta Schluter on Sept. 27, 1947, and was married to her for 69 years before she passed away on Jan. 5, 2017. Surviving are a son, Ed Bartell ( Madonna) of Fisher; and a daughter, Lorraine McElwain (Bob) of Thomasboro. He was an Opa to five: Jason (Fallon) Bartell of Rantoul, Shana Bartell of Pontiac, Matt (Elizabeth) Bartell of Thomasboro, Emily Snyder (Brad) of Palatine and Lorri Batsie (Michael) of Kalamazoo, Mich., and loved being a great-Opa to Luke Snyder, Will Snyder, Jack Bartell, Alex Bartell, Brooke Batsie and Caden Batsie. His namesake will continue to live on, as both Jack (Harold) and Luke (Henry) are named in his honor. He is also survived by his 15 nieces and nephews,their offspring and Vic and Rita Gates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother; three brothers, Frank, Heye and Art; and two sisters, Christine and Reka.

Harold graduated from Rantoul Township HighSchool in 1940 and shortly after joined the Navy

during World War II. He was trained in diesel engine technology and stationed in the Caribbean, where he was in charge of the engine room on his patrol craft. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

He farmed in the Thomasboro/ Rantoul community for more than 70 years, with his son Ed andgrandson Matt joining him in the business. He served as the farm’s chief mechanic the majority of the time and retired at the age of 90, although most nice days you could still seem him there.

Harold was a quiet and extremely humble man. Anyone who met him liked him, and once you got him talking, his dry sense of humor would make you chuckle. He was always known as a gentle soul who loved animals and would sneak a cookie (or five) for himself and his grandkids when he thought no one was watching. He loved to discuss his carpentry and stainedglass projects, the Cubs and the Illini, the weather, his love of classical music (especially Bach) and his memories of his family and friends.

His favorite thing to discuss was his wife, Annetta, and the family they built together. Annetta was known for her practical jokes and sense of humor, and Harold was always in the background, helping her plan or wisely keeping his mouth shut. She was the love of his life, and their marriage was his proudest accomplishment.

He was active in the Thomasboro/ Rantoul communities as a farmer and member of American Lutheran Church of Rantoul. He enjoyed many church activities, including choir (he was known for his solo of “The Holy City” every year on Palm Sunday), and served as a member of the church council. His faith never wavered, and he relied on the promises of his Savior until the end.

The family would especially like to thank The Villas of Hollybrook in Rantoul and Transitions Hospice for their loving and attentive care these past few months.

Final arrangements are being handled by Lux Memorial Chapel of Rantoul. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul, with the funeral immediately following.

Memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church.