Donald "Bill" W. Bartel

Donald "Bill" W. Bartel, 81, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on Thursday, June 20, 2019 due to complications from a recent fall. Donald William Bartel was born August 4, 1937 to Merton and Marjorie (Smith) Bartel in Byron, MN. He attended Byron High School and farmed with his father. On July 19, 1958 he married Lynda Skare in Rochester. The couple made their home in Rochester, MN. Bill started working at Crenlo in Rochester in 1962 and retired in 2000. He enjoyed snowmobiling, traveling with their camper, hunting, fishing, and trips to the boundary waters. He spent his time watching Minnesota sports, and he especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with them. Bill is survived by his wife, Lynda of Rochester; four daughters, Robyn (James) Klemm of Rochester, Brenda Bartel-Udenberg of Byron, MN, Billi Jo (Ron) Nelson of Rochester and Susan (Paul) Bartel-Smith of Stewartville, MN; seven grandchildren, Steven (Anna) Smith, Kelsey (Mike) Lanctot, Jeff (Brittany) Smith, T.J. (Tessa) Klemm, Dylan (Emme Herzog) Nelson, Brooke Klemm and Luke Nelson; two great grandchildren, Lily and Zoey Smith; his siblings, Sharon (Richard) Krom of Rochester, Forest (Shirley) Bartel of Byron, MN, Milly (Pat) Kelly of Rochester, Casey (Mary) Bartel of Byron, MN Larry (Linda Weatherly) Bartel of Mantorville, MN and Dan (Sue) Bartel of Byron, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merton "Ben" Bartel and one sister, Evelyn Quam. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN) with the Reverend Paul Hauschild officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later time. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bartel family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com