Robert “Bob” Bartlett

Robert “Bob” Bartlett, 91, of Burchinal, Iowa, died peacefully on Sept. 20, 2023, at the IOOF Home, Mason City, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m., led by Deacon Jim Wolf, on Friday, Sept. 29, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North, Clear Lake.

Bob’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Josh Link officiating. Bob will be buried alongside Marlene, his parents and grandparents at Mt. Vernon Township Cemetery, with military honors being conducted by members of Gallagher American Legion Post #208.

Bob was born June 22, 1932 to Thelma and Harold Bartlett on their farm who raised him along with his brother, William, and sister, Ruth (Bartlett) Koenigs. He lived a full and happy life on his farm outside of Burchinal. He grew up hunting, fishing and helping his folks with farm work. Bob attended the local country school, followed by Swaledale, before transferring to Clear Lake for high school. After high school, Bob was called up to serve in the Army towards the end of the Korean War era and was stationed in Austria. He was deeply proud of his military service.

He raised his three children, Denise, Kathy and Mike, with the help of his mom until he met and married the love of his life, Marlene (Sell). He was deeply respected and loved by family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He was caring and kind-hearted, humble, always loyal and had a great sense of humor. Bob was a skilled carpenter and woodworker building beautiful pieces of furniture for his home, kids and grandkids.

Bob and Marlene became master gardeners and their farm, in the Bartlett family for over 100 years, soon became a regular stop on garden tours and even for random folks driving by. Bob was Commander at the Rockwell Legion for many years, and worked with a small group in Clear Lake to establish and grow Central Gardens. He, with Marlene, supported the Kinney Pioneer Museum and helped at church and Lions club events. He loved to go on fishing trips with his buddies and later with his son and grandsons.  He and Marlene also loved their trips to Europe and Hawaii.

Bob is survived by his sister, Ruth (Bartlett) Koenigs; three children, Denise (Greg) Garth, of Omaha, Neb., Kathy (Tom Barrett) Bartlett, of Denver, Colo. and Mike (Maren) Bartlett, of Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Josh (Alyssa) Garth, Jasmine Garth, Zach (Erin) Bartlett, Hannah Bartlett and Josiah Bartlett; step-grandchildren, Greg Barrett, Jenny (Morgan) Kemp and Matt Barrett; great-grandchildren, Finnian Garth, Tegan Garth and Declan Garth; step-great-grandchildren, Landin Kemp, Monty Kemp and Nellie Kemp, as well as, many other beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family suggests memorials may directed to Clear Lake’s Central Gardens or Kinney Pioneer Museum in Bob’s memory.