The Life of OWEN WENDELL BARTLETT
Owen Wendell Bartlett was born September 19, 1912 in Waterloo, Iowa to Arthur Bartlett and Sybil Mary Crandall Bartlett.
He lived most of his early life in Iowa and participated in various CC camp projects. He married Ardis Eloise Dunbar on June 15, 1935 and together had eight children. Owen worked as a building engineer and cement contractor and never allowed his age to slow him down. Much to the dismay of his family, he was building a house at the age of 80. In his later years, he traveled frequently to visit family in California and Washington where he learned the fine art of salmon and steelhead fishing. He traveled to Alaska for the first time at 83, and enjoyed telling stories of his fishing adventures there.
Owen also enjoyed singing, dancing, playing dice, telling jokes and flirting with the ladies. He played billiards and won a 2nd place championship at age 85. In 2000, at the age of 88, he and Evelyn Millard were married. Owen was a loving and devoted father and grandfather and more than anything, enjoyed spending time with his family.
Owen is survived by his children, Wendell (Lucy), Russell (Diana), Sandy Bonis, Golda Knight, Roxy (Bruce) Stasium; 36 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and eleven great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; four brothers; three sisters; three sons, Jackie, Gene, Gary; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Owen will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A visitation with the family present will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Owen.