Franklin G. Bartel

Franklin Gene Bartel was born to Harrison and Luella (Schmidt) Bartel on July 10, 1947 in Goessel, KS. He passed from this life to the next on November 13, 2024, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS at the age of 77. Frank was the oldest of three children with two younger sisters.

Frank grew up on a farm north of Lehigh. He attended Waldeck country school for first grade. He then attended Lehigh Grade School and graduated from Lehigh High School in 1965.

Frank was a faithful employee of Hesston Corporation, later known as Agco, as a welder for more than 40 years. Frank moved from the farm to McPherson, KS in the early 1980s.

He was a member of the First Mennonite Church of McPherson.

When living in McPherson, he became an enthusiastic fan of McPherson High School and McPherson College athletics. He attended many football and basketball games at the schools. Every year, he looked forward to attending the high school basketball tournaments, especially the state tournaments. He also enjoyed watching the Royals and Chiefs games on TV.

Frank also had a keen interest in trains and railroading. He knew a wealth of information on both. If Frank heard of a trail derailment or wreck, he would often drive to the site and check it out for himself.

In his younger years, he enjoyed going to the car races at 81 Speedway and target shooting.

Frank is survived by sisters, Harriet (Mark) Woelk, Goessel, KS, and Debra (Gene) Shorman, McPherson, KS; nephews, Jonathan (Theresa) Shorman, Merriam, KS and David (Malia) Shorman, Owasso, OK; and great-niece, Gemma Shorman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30 AM, Monday, November 18, 2024, at Lehigh Mennonite Cemetery followed with a memorial service at 11:00 AM, on Monday, at the First Mennonite Church, McPherson. 

Memorial donations can be made to First Mennonite Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.