John Bartelt

John Leland Bartelt, age 66, of Stephenville, Texas, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He courageously faced a sudden battle with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer with his loving family by his side. John was born on March 25, 1959, in Sacramento, California, to Lee and Carrie Bartelt. He grew up in Galt, California, on the family farm, where his father was a veterinarian. From a young age, he was active in 4-H, showing shorthorn cattle and pigs, and developing the curiosity and work ethic that would define his life. He loved figuring out how things worked—whether it was appliances, carpentry, or home projects he quickly became a true DIYer long before HGTV made it trendy.

After a short time in college, John realized that his path was in hands-on work and trades. He worked for the California Reclamation District and on a neighbor’s dairy farm before pivoting into office machine sales and repair. That career became his lifelong calling, and he ultimately served as Service Manager at Kirbo’s Office Systems in Stephenville, Texas, for more than 20 years. While still living in California, John met his best friend and the love of his life, Leah, in an online chat room—a shocking way to meet in those days. After visiting her once in Texas, he returned home, packed his car and his dog, Ruben, and drove straight back to stay. John and Leah were married in 2001 and spent 24 wonderful years as husband and wife. With that union, John not only built a life with Leah, but also gained her two children, Kourtney and Luke, whom he helped raise and became more than just a stepdad. John was also the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Megan and Lauren, from a previous marriage. He was always quick to share their accomplishments and never missed a chance to say how proud he was of the women they had become.

His passions were wide and varied. He supported Leah’s love of collecting pets and farm animals, often blurring the line between the two. He enjoyed the outdoors, had a gift for sending memes and dad jokes to everyone in his circle, and could often be found on the back patio watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, HGTV, or the news. He loved traveling with Leah, especially on cruises, and dreamed of retiring to their cabin in the Ozarks. Above all, he treasured time with his kids—his “kidlets,” as he called them—and his young grandchildren, who he adored and was endlessly proud of.

He is survived by his wife, Leah Bartelt of Stephenville, Texas; his daughters Megan Bartelt (Dan Thede) and Lauren Bartelt (Jordan Smart); his stepdaughter, Kourtney (Travis) Engstrom; and his stepson, Luke Oldham. He was the proud grandfather of Indigo, Olive, Iris, Forest, and Thatcher. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Anderson; his brother, Steven Bartelt; his baby sister, Maggie Difuntorum; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Carrie Bartelt, and his sister, Janet Bartholomew.

A memorial service will be held at Stephenville Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Dale Pugh officiating.