Obituaries/Viewings
William F. Bartges | 88
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William (Bill) Bartges, 88, of Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Saturday January 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 22, 1934 in Mt. Jackson, PA, son of the late Harry and Mae (Huffman) Bartges. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1955 and travelled the globe solving customer issues and building relationships as the Technical Service Manager for the Carbon/Graphite Group (formerly Airco Speer).
On September 6, 1958 in Export, PA, Bill married C. LaVerne (Hostetler) Bartges who survives. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage; three children: Harry (Elaine) of Memphis, TN, Charles (Marcia) of Bradenton, FL, and Brenda (Brett) Giles of Atlanta, GA; and eight grandchildren: Kevin (Jessica), Hannah (Andrea), Tessa (Dakota), Andrea (Will), Katie, Emma, Megan, and Claire. He was preceded in death by his sister Marie (Bartges) King.
An avid, lifelong Penn State fan with football season tickets for almost 50 years, Bill rarely missed a home game and travelled to many away and bowl games. Although he would “never leave until the game was over” (regardless of the weather), he loved tailgating just as much. Family, friends, and random strangers delighted in his abundant hospitality, storytelling, sing-alongs, and frequent cheers of “WE ARE….”. He was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, St. Marys Quarterback Club, and Shiloh Presbyterian Church.
Proud to be an American yet humble about his service in the United States Army, he valued education, providing for his family, and quietly practicing his faith. He enjoyed camping, fly-fishing, horseracing, and golfing with “The Retreads” (even before they earned the name). He made strangers into friends, and friends into family wherever he went.
Family was Bill’s top priority and he never missed a chance to gather with them, usually driving long distances to do so. Snowbirding was not just about the weather, but about living with, and being a part of the fabric of his expanding family’s lives. His fun loving personality lit up every room he was in, and made even the best of times better. The twinkle in his blue eyes as a crooked smile crossed his face usually meant something exciting was about to happen and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held at the Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Scott Wiest, officiating. Private burial will be in the Centre County Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, can be made to the Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 217 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
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Brenda and family. We lift you and your family up in prayer this AM (1-20) as you all celebrate your father’s good life. Blessings to you all.
Beth and Bob
Bartges family, It was nice to see you all again after sooo many years. Sad for the occasion of Bill’s passing, he was a super guy who did light up a room upon entering it. I’m sure you all have great memories to keep close to your hearts.
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear LaVerne, We so enjoyed golfing with Bill at Leaning Pines — what a pleasant and entertaining guy. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. We are currently away, and are so sorry we will not be able to give you our condolences in person. Wayne and Ann
Bill was an annual visitor at our camp for deer season back in the day. His obituary astutely captures his personality. Bill was fun, modest and someone you felt like you knew for a long time even though our paths did not cross often. Our condolences to Laverne, Harry, Chuck, Brenda and the grandchildren. He will be missed. Respectfully, the Cunningham Clan at Old Buck Camp.
I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories of Bill and Laverne and the lunches of salads and Oyster crackers we shared in the lounge of Carbide Graphite when LaVerne was teaching me the ropes to take over for her. Hard to believe that was 33 years ago!
I remember when we all gathered at the Lemmon’s family farm each year for a huge Thanksgiving feast with our extended family. Those were the “good old days.” My condolences to LaVerne and the entire Bartges family.
There are so many great memories since we met after graduation together from Penn State. We roomed together before we both got married and we remained in constant communication ever since. He was a true friend with a great sense of humor.
Brenda we are holding you and your precious family in our hearts as you are there. Please give mom our love. Judy and John
Dear LaVerne,
My sincere condolences. I was so very sorry to read about Bill’s passing. May your grief be short-lived and the celebration of his life be eternal. Nothing but my good thoughts are with you.
Randall Kurtz, DC
I had the pleasure to cook many hot sausages next to this wonderful man. You will surely be missed. Many prayers to Lavern and his children and their families.
Marie