"We are so sorry for you loss...know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories of "Dad" keep you strong..."
In loving memory of
Daniel Bartelma
January 3, 1917 - September 6, 2011
Daniel Bartelma, 94, of Runnells passed away September 6, 2011 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City with burial following at Waveland Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Coburn Funeral Home Friday, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Dan was born in 1917 in Mingo, Iowa and spent his life in Jasper County, graduating from Runnells High School. He took over a small family farm in Runnells and devoted his life to enlarging his farm and building his cow herd.
Dan was the charter President of the Runnells Lions Club and a member for over 50 years. Dan was President of the Jasper County Beef Producers, a Beef Superintendent of the Jasper County Fair for many years and served on the Runnells School Board.
Dan was quick to tell a joke and loved a good story, but he loved a good argument even more. He was a champion of the underdog, and quietly helped many of those he found having hard times.
He ended his formal education at high school, but continually educated himself through extension pamphlets, farm publications and conferences.
He was an inventor by necessity, sometimes not having the money or time to buy the part or piece of equipment he needed, but an innovator by choice. He was not content with the average, the ready-made--he was always looking for the way to make something better, stronger, more efficient and improved.
In 1944 Dan married Jean McFadden from Prairie City. They were married over 60 years before her death in 2005. Together they had three children, Jim (Cynthia) from Runnells, Carole (Mark Holcomb) from Olathe, Kansas and Connie (Ron Banks) who lives in Hereford, Texas. Dan is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Dan was preceded in death by his wife Jean, a brother, Dave Bartelma, and a sister, Ruth Carroll.
Memorials may be given to the Runnells Lion's Club or your favorite charity and online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.