Clifford J. Bartsch, age 86, of Owatonna died on Tuesday September 29, 2015 at his home due to kidney failure.
Clifford was born on May 17, 1929 in Geneva the son of Lawrence and Magdaline (Larson) Bartsch. He attended school through the 8th grade in Geneva and then graduated from high school in Ellendale in 1949. After graduation Clifford worked at the Standard Oil Station in Geneva until he entered the military in January of 1951. He attended basic training in Fort Riley, KS. Then he attended heavy duty equipment school in Iwo Jima, Japan for several months before serving in Korea. During his tour in Korea, he helped build roads, dams, and the Kimpo Air Base. He received 19 months of combat pay for his tour in Korea. He completed his military service in 1953. Upon returning from Korea, Clifford worked at a creamery in Clarks Grove for about a year before working for Sorenson Construction for several years.
On July 24, 1955 he married Darlene Jensen at the Aurora Lutheran Church in Havana Township. In 1957 he started working at the Steele County highway department until his retirement in 1987. During those years he had other jobs, including working on cars at a garage in Pratt grading roads for Aurora Township, and owning Bartsch’s Oil Service where he fixed many tires and worked on cars.
Clifford was a member of Aurora Lutheran Church. He served on the church council for 25 years, was church janitor for 15 years, and helped build the Aurora Diner. He enjoyed working at the diner during the Steele County Free Fair each year and did so for 40 years. While his children attended District 71 Country School, he served on the school board. Clifford enjoyed old cars, going to car shows, travelling, and playing cribbage. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends.
Clifford is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene, of Owatonna; and his children, Steve (Christine) Bartsch of Owatonna; Barb (Mike) Bishman of Owatonna; Kayla (Brett) Paape of Owatonna; and Angie (Lee) Shaw of West St. Paul. Grandchildren: Jessie (Carlos) Bartsch, Jeremy (Caitlin) Bartsch, Melissa Spinler, Brittney (Cody) Bartsch, Corey (Melissa) Bishman, Casey (Kasey) Bishman, Cole (Lindsey) Bishman, Krystle (Travis) Johnson, Mandi (Shane) Hewitt, Emily Paape, Katelynn Paape, and Micah Shaw and 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving are brother, Harold (Bernice) Bartsch of Owatonna; sisters Jean Ahlstrom of Geneva; and Mary (Paul) Groth of Ellendale; brother-in-law Wyman Jensen of Owatonna; and sisters-in-law, Mavis Bartsch of Geneva; Betty Jensen of Owatonna; and Kathy Jensen of Owatonna; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Bartsch, his parents, sister Margaret, brother Donald, father and mother-in-law Lawrence and Nora Jensen, sisters-in-law, Janet Jensen and Betty Pichner, brothers-in-law, Raymond Ahlstrom, Roger Jensen, Orie Jensen, and Eugene Pichner.
Visitation will be at Aurora Lutheran Church on Monday, October 5, 2015 from 9 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Aurora Lutheran Church with Reverend Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be in the Aurora Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.