David Harold Barthel

David Harold Barthel

David Harold Barthel passed away peacefully after 85 years of a vivid life.

David is survived by his children: Jacqueline Barthel-Fox (Dave) of Milton Freewater, Oregon, Kevin Barthel (Jan) of Flagstaff, AZ, Heidi Lynch (Steve) of Albuquerque NM, Kristina Naar (John) of Austin, TX, Michael Barthel (Camille) of Albuquerque, NM, 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two sisters: Joanne, Jane; brother, Dean. He leaves behind numerous beloved family members and friends.

He was born in Monticello, MN, graduated from High School in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and then embarked on a decades long career in the Air Force. (Ret.

Major) He was commissioned as a Distinguished Graduate from Officer Training School. He became the Chief of the Consolidated Base Personnel office at San Vita Del Normanni AFS, Italy. Under his leadership, it was selected as the most outstanding personnel office in the European Security Region. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

Upon selection and completion of the Air Force Institute of Technology Masters Degree Program, he was assigned to the University of New Mexico AFROTC program as an instructor. His career included multiple assignments abroad and stateside, ultimately ending in Albuquerque, NM, where he retired in 1979 after completing 22 years of active duty. He was then employed by the University of New Mexico as a Consultant and Coordinator for Management Development Training. Dave will be remembered by so many as a(n) teacher, mentor, and avid outdoorsman. His sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM in a private family service.

To view David's online guestbook please visit

www.salazarfunerals.com.