Warren Eldon Bartelt

Warren Eldon Bartelt, 93, unexpectedly died August 16, 2023 at his home as a result of a heart attack while mowing lawn. He was born on March 14, 1930 to the late Edwin and Eleanora (Leistikow) Bartelt. On July 30, 1960 he married Cecilia Schreiner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Athens, WI. Warren was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Merrill, WI. He was a man of few words, a good listener, firm when necessary, but never unkind.

In his younger years Warren was a woodsman along with being a truck driver hauling gravel and milk. In 1959 he began his cheese making career at Corn Belt Cheese Factory Hamburg, WI. He obtained his cheese making license becoming manager of Hamburg Cheese Hamburg, WI. From there he went to Wisconsin River Valley Cheese Wausau, WI which eventually became InoFood Corporation and then Kraft Rondele Foods, where he retired in 1992 as a Production/Personnel Manager.

Warren had a strong work ethic throughout his life continuing into retirement. He had a profound love for the outdoors, nature, and enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in New Wood. Warren took pride in maintaining and improving his surroundings. He remained active cutting wood, mowing lawn and he was a real handyman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Debra, brothers Orval and Melvin, in-laws Frank and Iris Schreiner, Gordon and Katherine Westfall, Clarence and first wife Nancy Schreiner, Edward Hein, Steven Brodziski and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife of 63 years he is survived by daughters: Tammy (Clark) Bushmeyer and Sara (Jeff) Chamberlin, son: John, sister: Avila (Gordon) Zinkowich, grandchildren: Jamie (Cory) Moser, Kristen Hurtis, Lane Bushmeyer, and William (Janelle) Bushmeyer, step-grandchild: Toni Hobbs, great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Jasmyn and Jordyn Moser, and Lorelei Hurtis, step-grandchild: Kyla Huser, in-laws: Marie Hein, Andrew (Luella) Schreiner, Darlene second wife of Clarence Schreiner, and Gloria Brodziski, many nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

Per Warren’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date for immediate family.

Donations in Warren’s memory can be made to the Community Food Pantry-Merrill 503 S Center Ave Merrill, WI 54452.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the good Samaritan passerby, neighbors Patti and Brian Knetter and the Lincoln County Ambulance and Sheriff’s Departments for their immediate response and compassion.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.