Elwood \"Woody\" Bartelt
September 10, 1929 – April 14, 2018
A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral to honor Woody’s life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 23, 2018, beginning at 11:00 AM, the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Obituary
Age 88, passed away at Bickford Cottage on April 14, 2018 with family at his side. He was born in Hartford, WI, on September 10, 1929, the son of the late Walter and Olive (Bixby) Bartelt. Woody was a strong, savvy, generous and loving man. He had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest. In December of 1951, he enlisted in the US Army, was stationed in Korea where he served as an M.P. He was honorably discharged in November of 1953. On November 2, 1963, he married the love of his life Gloria (Horn) Bartelt, they enjoyed 54 years together. Woody had a passion for all things aviation. He was a private pilot for over 60 years. He was deeply involved with model airplanes which he built and flew for over 60 years. He was President of the Society of Antique Modelers and Model Engine Collectors Association. His dedication to model airplanes would lead to his induction into the SAM Hall of Fame. Woody was also a successful businessman. He started Aero Electric which reproduced model engine parts for model planes around the world. In 1976 he started Bartelt Aviation and remained the Chief Executive Officer for 42 years. He also started Bartelt Travel Consultants in 1982 where he served as Vice President. Woody enjoyed helping others and being involved in his community. He was a member of the Kawanis Club, Ambucs, and Quiet Birdman. He was also a member of many local clubs where he made lasting friendships. Above all Woody loved his family, friends and dog “Max.” His great stories, strong handshake and contagious smile will be missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his wife Gloria; son, John (Kelly) Bartelt; three grandchildren, Samantha, Cassidy and Jack; in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. He was also preceded in passing by two sisters and their husbands, Laverne (John) Baumhover and Elaine (Ray) Schiller.
Woody & Gloria hired me in 1982 to develop Bartelt Travel. Their love and friendship was invaluable. Woody will always be remembered by all that loved him. My prayers to Gloria and John in this difficult time
Woody & Gloria hired me in 1982 to develop Bartelt Travel. Their love and friendship was invaluable. Woody will always be remembered by all that loved him. My prayers to Gloria and John in this difficult time
Remember Woody and Gloria very well from the Ambucs and as personal friends. Sorry I wanted to be there today but can’t. Woody will always be remembered as a gentelman and a great sense of humor. He was a good guy. Miss him. Gloria please accept my condolences. Earnie Best
Remember Woody and Gloria very well from the Ambucs and as personal friends. Sorry I wanted to be there today but can’t. Woody will always be remembered as a gentelman and a great sense of humor. He was a good guy. Miss him. Gloria please accept my condolences. Earnie Best
Jon, Kelly and kids – Thinking of you guys , and hoping for peace in the next days to follow -? Sending prayers your way Angie Jeff and kids
Jon, Kelly and kids – Thinking of you guys , and hoping for peace in the next days to follow -? Sending prayers your way Angie Jeff and kids
I just learned that “Woody” had passed away. Woody was a special man. His expertise in aircraft sales was an important contribution to Kal-Aero that helped to keep the company growing. Without Woody on our team, I am not sure the company would have weathered some of the early storms that challenge all young companies. Gloria, I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort you in this time of great loss.
I just learned that “Woody” had passed away. Woody was a special man. His expertise in aircraft sales was an important contribution to Kal-Aero that helped to keep the company growing. Without Woody on our team, I am not sure the company would have weathered some of the early storms that challenge all young companies. Gloria, I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort you in this time of great loss.
May you find peace and comfort during this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sue, Bill and Mike Moorian
May you find peace and comfort during this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sue, Bill and Mike Moorian
It is with heartfelt sadness that my wife and I learned of Woody’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Gloria and son John and his family. My time with Woody goes back to my college days when I did a WMU marketing internship for Woody at “Kal-Aero” where he was the Aircraft Sales Manager. He kept me on my toes and it was an education to witness his focus on sales. I recall one incident back in 1971 during my marketing internship when Woody said, “Wayne, we need to go celebrate, I just sold a million dollars worth of airplanes in a week!” We laughed about my recovery from that celebration many times over the years. Then eight years later as I was leaving active duty in the Navy, Woody hired me to join him and Gloria at Bartelt Aviation and Bartelt Travel Consultants. A true entrepreneur, working with Woody became another education in the making! Throughout the years there was no stronger partnership then the one between Woody and Gloria. At times Woody could be a handful, but steady by his side was Gloria, tireless in her support and love for Woody. While it was recognized by all that Woody had a passion for aviation, his strongest passion was reserved for Gloria, son John, John’s wife Kelly and his grandchildren Samantha, Cassidy and Jack. Woody…you will be missed my friend! With our love, Wayne and Becky Kruger, North Carolina.
It is with heartfelt sadness that my wife and I learned of Woody’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Gloria and son John and his family. My time with Woody goes back to my college days when I did a WMU marketing internship for Woody at “Kal-Aero” where he was the Aircraft Sales Manager. He kept me on my toes and it was an education to witness his focus on sales. I recall one incident back in 1971 during my marketing internship when Woody said, “Wayne, we need to go celebrate, I just sold a million dollars worth of airplanes in a week!” We laughed about my recovery from that celebration many times over the years. Then eight years later as I was leaving active duty in the Navy, Woody hired me to join him and Gloria at Bartelt Aviation and Bartelt Travel Consultants. A true entrepreneur, working with Woody became another education in the making! Throughout the years there was no stronger partnership then the one between Woody and Gloria. At times Woody could be a handful, but steady by his side was Gloria, tireless in her support and love for Woody. While it was recognized by all that Woody had a passion for aviation, his strongest passion was reserved for Gloria, son John, John’s wife Kelly and his grandchildren Samantha, Cassidy and Jack. Woody…you will be missed my friend! With our love, Wayne and Becky Kruger, North Carolina.