Henry Joseph Bartel, age 96 of Rochester, passed away at Madonna Towers on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Henry was born on October 20, 1926 in Goodhue, MN to D. Henry and Josephine (Hennings) Bartel. He grew up in Goodhue and graduated from Goodhue High School. On January 4, 1945 Henry joined the United States Navy and proudly served until August 16, 1946. He was discharged as a 3rd Class Petty Officer.
After returning home, Henry attended Winona State Teachers College graduating with a bachelor's degree. He would later obtain a Master's degree from the University of Minnesota as well. He married Betty Tinklenberg on June 5, 1951. Together they had 2 sons, David and Richard. Betty passed away in 1966. Henry later married Ardys Petersen on December 26, 1967 in Hayfield, MN and they were later blessed with the birth of their son Brian. Henry worked as Superintendent of Windom Public Schools for 21 years. During that time, Henry was a member of the American Association of School Administrators, Windom American Legion, and Kiwanis. In 2003 Henry and Ardys moved to Rochester.
Henry is survived by his sons Richard and Brian (Candace); grandchildren Emily Gilmer, Joseph Bartel, and Abigail Bartel; family members Duane Hodges and Bonnie Sykora as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife Betty and his wife Ardys; son David; brothers Fritz and Bernhard; and sister Gladys Chamberland.
Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, MN, 1258 Cherry St, Red Wing, MN 55066.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be service the Bartel family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5421 Royal Place NW 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more