Marlene Bartels

Marlene Bartels, a beloved, long-time resident of Elmhurst, Illinois and recent resident of Beacon Hill Senior Living Community of Lombard, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the age of 93. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 10, 1930, Marlene dedicated her life to caring for others, embodying compassion and selflessness in all she did.
A registered nurse by profession, Marlene was known as the ultimate caretaker. Beyond her nursing career, she extended her nurturing spirit to countless others through volunteer work. Her commitment to her community was unwavering-whether it was through working as a volunteer nurse for American Red Cross blood drives, starting a well-baby clinic at her church, being on countless committees at her children's schools, caring for her husband John at home with ALS for 10 years, helping her neighbors or driving her daughter-in-law's mother to chemotherapy appointments for over three years, Marlene was always there to lend a hand.
Marlene had a love for routine and was known for her structured and purposeful approach to life. A woman of many talents, she enjoyed engaging in many creative pursuits – most notably her beautiful quilling projects and was currently still knitting squares for baby blankets and making small fabric teddy bears for babies and children at Stroger's Hospital in Chicago through the "Needle Crafters" group at Beacon Hill. Marlene was very active in her local churches; Redeemer Lutheran Church where she was the first female Board member and the Director of the Social Concerns Committee, started a collaboration with Chicago Uptown Ministries to collect food, clothing and other supplies for the homeless, and was a member of the choir; and then Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was also a devout member for many years. She also ran her own very successful mail-order craft/quilling supply business for 25 years, providing supplies to hobbyists and artists alike.
In her 40-year marriage to John Bartels, whom she married in May of 1957, Marlene flourished as a gourmet cook, earning her the affectionate title of the "Martha Stewart" of the neighborhood. Her home was a gathering place for friends and family, where beautiful meals were served for holidays, birthdays and special occasions and where the aroma of fresh-baked treats always filled the air and her children's friends were happily invited to enjoy.
Marlene is survived by her loving son, Paul (Kathy) Bartels; her daughter, Karen Becker; her cherished grandchildren, Jonathon, Trevor, and Marissa Bartels; and her precious great-grandchild, Annalise. Marlene's legacy of care, creativity, and dedication will be forever remembered by her family and the countless lives she touched.
Welcoming her into heaven is her husband John, her brother Carl and her parents Arthur and Agnes Engelking.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 10 AM until noon at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 123 E. Saint Charles Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126, with a service to follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marlene's name to the American Red Cross are greatly appreciated. Condolences may be left for the family at PedersenRyberg.com.