Laurence Edwin Bartel passed away quietly at home in Hesston on Saturday, November 15, 2014.
Laurence was born on July 19, 1931, the fifth child of Edwin and Sarah Bartel in Drake, Saskatchewan. He grew up on a farm near there and attended North Star Mennonite Church where his father was one of the pastors. Two sisters were added to the family after that, bringing the total to two brothers, Erwin and Wilmer, and five sisters, Leona, Erna, Etta, Leila and Myrial. Laurence committed his life to God and was baptized in the North Star Mennonite Church.
He married Betty Schmidt on November 7, 1953, and they lived briefly near Drake, before moving to Kansas, living in several homes briefly before moving to a house on Berry Street, where they lived for about seven years. They built a home east of Hesston and lived there from the late 1960s until two years ago when they moved into town. Laurence was active in the life and work of First Mennonite Church in Newton and served in many committees and boards, both at church and in the community. His faith in God remained strong from his youth until his last days. Most of his working years were divided between working as business manager at Prairie View Mental Health Center and later working with financial investments with Valic.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children: Bev Regier and spouse, Chuck; Annette Bartel and spouse, Kevin Cherveney; Larry Bartel and spouse, Alyce; Randy Bartel; 13 grandchildren and spouses; and four great-grandchildren. Also two sisters, five sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, three brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at First Mennonite Church, 429 E. First Street, Newton, at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2014, with a light luncheon, sharing time, and hymn sing following the service. Petersen Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
1931 - 2014 (83 years)