Dick (Richard) Bartol

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. — Dick (Richard) Bartol, born December 1, 1933, at his family’s farmhouse in Traunik, Michigan, died on February 13, 2023 at the farmstead of the Sharon S. Richardson Community

Hospice facility near Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. He was 89.

Dick, son of Louis and Mary (Lustick) Bartol, grew up on the family farm, the youngest of three, including his sister Lee, and brother Lou Jr. After graduating from Trenary High School, Dick joined the Air Force as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged a little over a year later, when he had to return home to take care of the family farm after his father’s death.

A dear cousin encouraged him to become a teacher, and that proved to be excellent advice. It was during his years at Northern Michigan University that he met Nancy Lindquist, and they were married on January 28, 1961. Dick and Nancy were married 62 years.

After graduating from NMU with a degree in math and history education, Dick and Nancy moved to Dowagiac, Michigan, where he taught for one year. They then moved to Manitowoc where they have remained and raised a family including David, Richard Jr., and Jody. Dick taught at Wilson Junior High for 31 years, and if you were anywhere with Dick, it was common to be approached by someone who said, “You were my junior high math teacher!” In retirement, Dick devoted most of his time to being an amazing grandfather, and in the final four years of life, he took great care of Nancy.

Teaching was not just Dick’s profession; it was something deep within him. He was a natural teacher, always helping others, especially his three grandsons, learn the joys of camping comfortably, hunting, fishing (walleye was his specialty), woodworking, sheepshead, and the many uses of bicycle innertubes. He nurtured a deep love of walks in the woods, tractor rides, and an appreciation of the wildflowers that took over his fields.

Nancy, who survives him, and their family will have a celebration of life this summer at Dick’s beloved family farm in Traunik on Saturday, July 1. In lieu of flowers, Dick would have appreciated donations being sent to the Traunik Slovenian Club, in care of Elaine Debelak, N2316 ET Rd, Trenary, MI 49891.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.