Galen J. Bartels, 88, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in the comfort of his daughter and son-in-law’s home in Williamsburg, MI. on December 11, 2023. Galen John was born on June 18,1935 in Maquoketa, IA to Henry August Bartels and Lucy (Flagel) Bartels. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1954. On June 7, 1959 he was united in marriage to Donna Lou Durkop at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.

In May Galen and Donna moved to the Heyde’s home in Williamsburg, MI. Galen enjoyed many days on the deck or at the window watching all the activities on Lake Michigan. He especially liked seeing the swans and ducks, jet skis and boats, and the Coast Guard weekly training exercises.

A visitation will be held on December 30 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Burial with Military Honors will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.

A strong work ethic was instilled in Galen’s life at an early age. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Galen worked on a survey crew for Jackson County and for a short time at Clinton Engines.  He then began a 34-year career with the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Communications Division.  Upon retiring in 1994, he worked as a groundskeeper for 10 years at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.

Galen was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church and the Maquoketa Optimist Club, serving on various committees throughout his life.  He loved traveling with his family, was an avid golfer and card player, and enjoyed joining his friends for daily coffee breaks.

Galen was a dedicated family man and cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren’s sporting events and equestrian competitions.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Donna; daughter Linda (Dietrich) Heyde of Williamsburg, Michigan, son Brian (Kathy) Bartels of Fredericksburg, Iowa; five grandchildren, Derrick Bartels, Andrew (Jessica) Bartels, Katelyn Bartels (Colton Pierce), Lauren Heyde (Devin Sale) and Logan Heyde; four great–grandchildren, Harper, Hudson, Nova and Waylon.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Darlene Bartels and three grandchildren, Dietrich, Henry, and Eliza Heyde.

Galen and Donna will be forever grateful for the “home away from home” and the wonderful kind, compassionate care provided by the Heyde family.  Galen was especially happy to see all of the Iowa family members spend time with him in Michigan.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial may be directed to First Lutheran Church or a charity of donor’s choice.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.