Steven Steward Bartling

Steven (Steve) Steward Bartling Sr passed away February 29, 2024, at Ava’s House hospice center, with family and his loving dog by his side. 

Funeral services will be at Augustana Lutheran Church, 235 N Prairie Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. with fellowship to follow before burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Family will be present one hour before the service for visitation.

Steve was born on September 18, 1956, to Dennis and Shirley (Jordan) Bartling in Sioux Falls, SD, and was baptized in November of the same year at Augustana Lutheran Church.  He was the oldest of four children and graduated from Washington High School in 1974.  Not long after, he joined the South Dakota Army National Guard where he served for 20 years. In addition, he worked for many years in the manufacturing industry with a focus on shipping and receiving.  

Throughout his life, Steve enjoyed motorcycles, combing through junk/antique stores, woodworking, and tinkering around in the garage.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and would go almost every year with his buddies, looking forward most of all for his deer hunting trips.  Steve was a very active member at his church, Augustana Lutheran.  He was a part of the church council for many years in various roles, including president. 

In late 1991, Steve reconnected with an old friend, Crystal (Daggett) who turned out to be the love of his life.  They enjoyed going out on date nights to the movies, shopping trips, and eating out at different restaurants.  Crystal liked to call him “Mr. Lewis” as that was one of his favorite stores. They united in marriage on February 13, 1993. They were always holding hands, it was her favorite way to show affection, even when Steve got annoyed at times. Together they spent 31 years full of warmth, love, and the comfort of each other’s presence. 

Steve’s greatest joy in life was being a dad to Sherry, Steven Jr, and Natalie. He was always there for each of them in whatever way they needed.  He loved to support them in various activities whether that be sports games, concerts, or church/school activities.  Camping was something he enjoyed with all his children over the years, as well as making memories at lake Okoboji, and taking trips to Valley Fair.  Fun was always a priority with Steve in whatever they chose to do at the time. 

Grateful to having shared his life are his wife Crystal (Daggett) Bartling; children Sherry (Kurt) Bohnet of Winner, SD, Steven Bartling Jr of Morango Valley, CA, and Natalie Bartling; grandchildren Brooke, Sidney, and Zachary Bohnet; great-granddaughter Amori; siblings Mike (Joan) Bartling, Deb (Reed) Wheeler, and Joe (Cindy) Bartling, as well as many other loving family members and friends.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Shirley as well as his grandparents. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Augustana Lutheran Church or Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.