Thomas Jacob Bartel

Thomas Jacob Bartel, age 64, of McHenry, died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.
He was born September 30, 1947 in Chicago to Frank and Marie (Schemkle) Bartel. On August 29, 1998 he married Linda Peterson.
Thomas was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War from 1965 until 1970. He attained the rank of SP-5 and was the recipient of a Purple Heart medal and four bronze service stars.
Thomas was born and raised in Chicago. He lived in Georgia for twenty years and was employed there as an electrical engineer. In the early 90's he moved to McHenry and was employed as a bus driver for PACE. He was a great cook and enjoyed Ham Radio, his call letters were W1TJB.
He is survived by his wife Linda of thirteen years; two children, Jennifer Bartel, Thomas D. Bartel; a granddaughter, Olivia; a brother, Frank (JoAnn) Bartel; his father-in-law, Donald M. Peterson; and two brothers-in-law, Andrew (Terri) Peterson and Donald J. (Gail) Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may gather with the family on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 12 p.m. until the 1 p.m. memorial service at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050.
Friends may send the family an on-line condolence at www.justenfh.com. For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400.