Robert Eugene Bartels

Robert Eugene Bartels, 84, of Wakefield, NE, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, NE.  The visitation will be on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.  The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wakefield, NE, with Reverend William Bertrand officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will be in the Wakefield Cemetery in Wakefield, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.  

Eugene was born on December 23, 1939, in Wakefield, NE, to Ervin and Lucille (Walters) Bartels.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wakefield.  He attended (Park Hill) Dixon County District 22 Country School until the 8^th grade and then transferred to Wakefield High School and graduated in 1957.  After graduation, Eugene became a member of the Nebraska Army National Guard. Eugene married Evelyn “Tootie” Greve on September 15, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wakefield. 

Eugene was a lifelong farmer and even though farmers don’t truly retire, he started to “slow down” in 2016.  He enjoyed riding horses, raising cattle, and fixing fences. Robert was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and served on the church board.  He was also a proud member of the Wakefield American Legion.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Evelyn “Tootie” Bartels of Wakefield, NE; sister, Verna Krause; sister-in-law, Wilma Bartels; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willard Bartels; and brother-in-law, Paul Krause.