Michael Francis Bartus

Michael Francis Bartus
01/25/1947 – 02/23/2026

Michael Francis Bartus died Monday, February 23, 2026, in Wenatchee, Washington, after a life of advocacy and activism for older adults, sexual minorities, and caregivers. He was 79 years old. During his life, Michael created a chosen family of devoted and loving friends, represented and advocated for underrepresented people and communities, left a legacy of philanthropy and patronage of the arts, and had a lifelong engagement with the University of Michigan. In death he joins his beloved partner of 39 years, Leonard Krass, who predeceased Michael in 2016.

Michael was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on January 25, 1947, eldest son of Zelda and Julius Bartus and older brother to David. Michael matriculated to the University of Michigan as an undergraduate, receiving a BA degree in the Psychology of Aging. He continued his education at the U-M, receiving Masters degrees in Speech Pathology and in Public Health.

His career always focused on helping others. He served as the Director of Development at the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute in New York, as the Director of Development for the Visiting Nurse Association, Inc., in Oak Park, as the Director of the Empowerment Zone Care Management Program at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, and as a long-term Care Consultant for the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. Michael served in the Peace Corps as the Regional Director for Recruitment. Since the regional office was located in Detroit, the position included recruiting Peace Corps volunteers from the University of Michigan. He also worked with the United Way and other NGOs. Michael was involved in MAC (Michigan Aids Coalition), DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), the LGBT Older Adult Coalition, and was appointed by the then Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder, to serve on the Commission on Services to the Aging, a state-wide appointment overseeing the sixteen Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan.

Michael and Leonard established the Michael F. Bartus and Leonard J. Krass Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan, extending and expanding the legacy of the Julius F. Bartus Endowed Memorial Scholarship created in 2010 by his mother, Zelda Bartus, in honor of her husband and Michael’s father. The Bartus and Krass Scholarship fund is administered by the Dean of the College of Engineering. It provides support for students enrolled in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering who have financial need.

Michael and Leonard resided in Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, Harbor Springs, and Bloomfield Hills. Their homes were full of friends, music, and art, and were expressions of Michael’s and Leonard’s compassion, creativity, and energy.
Michael joined Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 2016. He was a valued member of the Christ Church Cranbrook community, and the congregation benefitted from his leadership and experience during his tenure. Michael was involved in various ministries at the church, including the formation of the Capital Campaign and the Cranbrook Project. He also served on the Stewardship Committee for several years.

Interment will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at a date to be announced.