ARRON LEE BARTELT, lifelong Waldorf area resident and farmer, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the age of 48 years old.
Arron was born on March 20, 1975, in Wells, to Barry and Nina (Haakinson) Bartelt. He attended Waldorf-Pemberton Public School and graduated from Janesville-Waldorf Pemberton High School with the class of 1993. Arron loved farming. He enjoyed helping people so much he would give you the shirt off his back. Arron was employed by Crystal Valley, Bird's Eye, and various area farm families. Arron's extensive farming and mechanical knowledge helped many community members. In 2009, Arron began working independently, as the owner of A&B Custom Equipment, rolling crops and completing custom work for area farmers. He was in his element when he could help others and had a penchant for giving orders and being in charge. You were lucky if he shared that smile of his with you.
Arron loved all his dogs and stole many dogs from others, loving every one of them, from Samantha to Bella. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, four wheeling, going to the camper, and spending time with his family. Arron married Cas Birr on August 13, 2021, fulfilling his dream of becoming a husband and father. He was a unconventional learner with a mechanical ability that surprised people. His dad Barry, and uncle Gary would usually say, “there is no way that is going to work” to which Arron would reply, "Yes, it will." And it was true, he made it work.
Arron is survived by his wife, Cassie Birr; stepchildren Jackson, RoseMary, and Caitlyn; grandmothers: Faye (Evans) Haakinson and Louise (Schweer) Bartelt; mother, Nina Bartelt; father, Barry Bartelt and his partner Deb Ireland; sister, Amy (Marc) Bennett; niece, Johannah; special uncle, Gary; along with other loving uncles, aunts and cousins.
He is preceded in death by grandfathers, Duane Haakinson and Gordon Bartelt; aunt, Lola Fennert.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, September 29, 2023 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the community center on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Waldorf Community Center. Interment will follow at Zoar United Church of Christ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to your local FFA Chapter.