Dennis Bartels and Sharon Bartels

Dennis Bartels, 75, and Sharon Bartels, 73, both of Parkersburg, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident north of Parkersburg.

Dennis was born the son of Edward and Lydia (Johnson) Bartels, Oct. 10, 1941, rural Aplington. He attended Parkersburg High School and graduated in 1960.

Sharon was born the daughter of Echo and Gladys (Geiken) Mennen, Oct. 4, 1943, in Iowa Falls. She graduated from Aplington High School in 1961.

On June 21, 1963, Dennis and Sharon were united in marriage at the Bethel Reformed Church in rural Aplington. The couple made their home in Parkersburg and moved to their current acreage in 1974, where they farmed and raised cattle. Through the years, Dennis was a school bus driver for the Parkersburg School District. He also worked at Kyhl’s Chevrolet in Parkersburg, Farmland Foods in Iowa Falls, sold Mooreman Feed and retired from the University of Northern Iowa Power Plant in Cedar Falls in 2010. Sharon worked at Plastonics in Grundy Center, ASGROW Seed Company in Aplington, and later in food services for the Aplington-Parkersburg Schools.

Dennis and Sharon became members of the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg in 1967. Dennis was a trustee and usher. Sharon taught Sunday school, Bible school and was also a member of the Ladies Guild. The couple enjoyed doing nearly everything together. They were very active in 4-H when their children were younger, taking annual family fishing trips to Minnesota and playing card games with loved ones. Most recently, they enjoyed taking drives throughout the countryside, and would pack a bag in case they decided to spend the night. They often called their children and loved knowing about their daily lives. Most of all, they loved attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities on a weekly basis.

Dennis was a member of the Butler County Cattlemen’s Association. He enjoyed hunting, especially with his son Daran, and his friends and family. He enjoyed having coffee daily downtown with his friends. Sharon enjoyed golfing, bowling and participated in leagues. She had a special bond, and a close knit relationship with her nine sisters that did many, many activities together.

They were both preceded in death by their parents and four brothers-in-law, John Junker, LeRoy Lupkes, Harlan Johnson and Willard VanderHolt.

Dennis and Sharon are survived by three children, Stacy (Steve) Whitmire of Parkersburg, Daran (Mary) Bartels of Newton and Shelby (Dan) Brouwer of Aplington; eight grandchildren, Ashley Wangsness, Amber (Nick) Cordes, Levi Whitmire, Alex Bartels, Alyssa Bartels, Aaron Bartels, Hunter Brouwer and Jaxson Brouwer; three great-grandchildren, Kolbie and Brylie Wangsness and Kaden Wangsness; and one great-granddaughter on the way; Sharon’s sisters, Marjorie Junker of Parkersburg, Irma (Clarence) Diekman of Waverly, Joyce (Ronald) Brocka of Parkersburg, Shirley Lupkes of Parkersburg, Janice Johnson of Parkersburg, Glenda VanderHolt of Parkersburg, Carol (Wayne) Aukes of Wellsburg, Judy (Larry) Pruisner of Parkersburg and Kathy (Larry) Koppedryer of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at First Congregational Church in Parkersburg with Pastor Mark Eggleston Officiating. The pianist was Randy Aalderks and he sang “I Bowed on My Knees” and “O Holy Night” and the congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” The casketbearers were Levi Whitmire, Jaxson Brouwer, Hunter Brouwer, Alex Bartels, Aaron Bartels and Nick Cordes. The honorary casketbearers were Ashley Wangsness, Amber Cordes, Alyssa Bartels, Kolbie Wangsness, Brylie Wangsness, Kaden Wangsness and Baby Cordes. The Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg.

Redman-Schwartz were in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family and online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com