Donald “Don” Jack Bartling Sr.
Donald “Don” Jack Bartling Sr.
Cedar Rapids
Donald “Don” Jack Bartling Sr., 65, of Ishpeming, Michigan, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, due to complications of his illness.
Don was born February 3, 1959, in DeWitt, Iowa, the son of Vernon and Maria (Poell) Bartling. He grew up in Grand Mound, Iowa where he attended school then graduated from DeWitt Central High School. Don joined the Air Force for a short time then later attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. He married his first wife, Celicia Hupp, then later divorced. In 1993, he married his second wife, Brenda (Kindler) Bartling, they later divorced.
He worked at a variety of places throughout his lifetime and found enjoyment in cross country truck driving for TMC, among others, for several years. He lived in Iowa most of his life and then moved to Ishpeming, Michigan, in 2018. Don enjoyed fishing, watching Iowa Hawkeye Football and Iowa Women’s Basketball, and yelling at the refs from his chair. He enjoyed time spent with family and sitting outside watching the neighborhood.
He is survived by his ex-wife and close friend, Brenda Bartling (David Miron) of Upper Michigan. Daughter, Summer Richard (Brandon) of Michigan. Son, Justin Bartling of Iowa. Daughter ,Teah Hays (Zachary) of Iowa. Grandchildren, Trent Bartling, Isiah, Josef, Tyler, Jayce and Dylan Richard. Siblings, Susan (Joe) VanThournout, Georgia (Larry) Whaples and Virginia Miller. Several nieces and nephews, ex family-in-laws Geraldine Kindler and Richard Kindler of Solon, Iowa, and his favorite aunt, Helen Rupe of Swisher, Iowa.
He is preceded by his parents Vernon and Maria (Poell) Bartling, ex-wife Celicia Bartling, son Donald Jack Bartling Junior, brothers Dale Bartling and Dean (Peggy) Bartling, sisters Kathy (Dennis) Kelly and Deborah (Dayne) Hurlbut, brothers-in-law Dean (Virginia) Miller and John Kindler, nephew Darrin VanThournout, and his beloved pet flying squirrel, Roxy.
Donald’s wishes were to be cremated and for no service to be held. On a later date, there will be a small gathering held in Ishpeming, Michigan. Please contact the family directly if you are interested in attending. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, Cedar Rapids can give you direct contact information for Brenda Bartling who will be receiving all condolences and memorial donations.
Thank you to the ICU team at Bellin Hospital, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thank you to the two nurses who kept him comfortable in his final moments, Brosh Chapel for all your assistance, and to all friends and family for the lifetime of love and memories.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.