Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Neil Bartley Obituary
Neil was born May 20, 1943, in Topeka, the son of Loren and Kuni-gunda Brenner Bartley. He graduated from Hayden High School in 1961 and Washburn University in 1966, playing basketball for both schools. He married Marsha Berberick and to that union four children were born.
A dedicated educator, Neil taught and coached various sports at Hayden, but basketball was his love. Following his 24-year career at Hayden, Neil owned and operated Bartley Construction until his retirement.
Fifteen years ago, Neil and Marlene Oppenlander were united in marriage at Christ the King Catholic Church. She survives.
Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Marlene; children, Neil Bartley (Stacy), Mendy Jump (Randall), Sean Bartley and Bret Bartley; two step-sons, Robert and Brian Oppenlander; grandchildren, Katie and Megan Jump and Ethan, Ava and Mia Bartley; brothers, Bernard Bartley (Suzanne) and Loren Bartley (Karen); and many nieces and nephews. Neil was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Roberta Peterson.
Neil brought out the best in people with his unconditional support. He will be remembered for his quick wit and shared jokes.
Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Social distancing is required at both the visitation and Mass. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Topeka Rescue Mission and Ronald McDonald House, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Bartley
Sponsored by CJOnline.com.
6 Entries
mary clinton
May 15, 2020
Prayers to Mr. Bartley's family. I had him as a teacher in psychology class. His classroom windows overlooked the new Gym and Hayden West. Watched the bricklayers while in his class. Great man and good teacher.
May 14, 2020
Dear Marlene,
You know how much Neil meant to our whole family. He was a tremendous help to us regarding home improvements and repairs for over 20 years and became a trusted, dear friend. He was there for us almost immediately whenever we needed his help - once even on Thanksgiving day! He was so helpful in making our home a safe place for my son We will miss his cheerful presence so very much.
We will keep him and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care!
Sue and James Masilamani and Leela Reddy
Mary Noll
May 12, 2020
My Dad, Jake Noll, worked with Neil at Hayden in the late 70s and early 80s. He often spoke of Neil with great admiration. Condolences to the family.
Cathy Novak-Wood
May 12, 2020
Rest in peace Mr. Bartley. Prayers and sympathy to the family. I will remember he always sent me to the cafeteria during class to get him a Code Red soda ... and then shared that ornery grin!
Steve Schmidt
May 10, 2020
I played basketball for coach Bartley at Hayden in his first year as varsity coach in 1973-4, my senior year. I have three strongest memories of that year: 1) Neil's sense of humor, and how we traded quips in team sessions, until he found one of mine un-funny, and said 'Geez, 10,000 comedians out of work and we're listening to this?'; 2) how our season turned around when he wrote this on the chalkboard at start of our second game of the Invitational: 'Go!' and said: 'that's your offense for tonight; 3) what he wrote in my senior yearbook: 'I'll never forget what you and the Seniors did for me in my maiden year'. A great time in our lives. Neil was a good man and a key figure in personal development for so many of us.
May 10, 2020
Neil was a dear and honest friend, very loyal to his customers and friends, I will remember his humor and jokes and all the laughs we shared together. He will be deeply missed Chris Miller and family.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Neil Bartley's name
Memorial Events
for Neil Bartley
May
14
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614
How to support Neil's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Neil Bartley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
