Stephen Walter Bartos

OBITUARY Stephen Walter Bartos was born in Alexandria, MN on July 19, 1953, the son of John and Clara (Klimek) Bartos. He grew up on his family's dairy farm and was proud to live there his entire life. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1971. He continued his education at the Alexandria Technical College receiving a degree in Farm Equipment Mechanics. After college Steve farmed with his father until he purchased the farm in October of 1978. He also worked for Midwest Machinery in Sauk Centre for 19 years as a John Deere farm equipment salesman. Steve volunteered his time as a fireman for the Forada Fire Department for 30 years and for 12 years as a Hudson Township supervisor. Stephen married the love of his life Doreen Frolek on November 28, 1987 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria in the midst of an ice storm. The storm could not diminish the warmth of the love and devotion shared that day, and for the next nearly 29 years. Together they enjoyed many outdoor activities. He especially loved trips to Minnesota's North Shore in the fall, snowmobiling adventures to Upper Michigan and many sunny Sunday afternoon drives with the Mustang. Steve savored life's simple pleasures such as watching a sunset from the boat on Lake Mary, Mollie B's polka music, a good movie in front of the fire on a Saturday night or a nap in the sunroom with Lucy Kat on his lap. But most of all he enjoyed all family gatherings, especially the Mighty Bartos Christmas Extravaganza's. He gave great hugs and was always ready with a hearty laugh. Steve was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a man of great faith and took comfort in saying the rosary, especially during his illness. He was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. Our lives were better for having known him. Stephen died with grace and courage on Thursday, September 1, 2016 after a long battle with kidney cancer under the care of Hospice of Douglas County at the age of 63. He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen Bartos of Alexandria; sisters, LuAnn Schrader of Easton, MN; Lorlee Bartos of Dallas, TX and MaryJo Bartos of Minnetonka, MN; In-laws Leonard and Josephine Frolek of Fargo, ND; Barb Bartos of Roberts, WI; Karen Frolek of Seattle, WA and Dean (Gayle) Frolek of St. Joseph, MN. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews: Bil (Terri) Schrader, Lyn Schrader (Jeff Thompson), Chuck (Annie) Schrader, Tim (Julianne) Bartos, Tammy (Kent) Brusewitz, Chris Bartos, Brandi (Eric) Thoe, Lincoln Steffens, Lexi Steffens and ten great nieces and nephews (Kaitlyn and McKenzie Brusewitz; Carol, Emily, and Laura Schrader; Elsie, Easton and Olin Thompson; Evan and Ellie Thoe). Steve was preceded in death by his parents John and Clara Bartos, brother Duane and brother-in-law Richard Schrader. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 1:30 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. A visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home on Friday, September 9, 2016 from 4-8PM with a 4PM Parish Prayer Service and a 7:30PM Knights of Columbus Rosary. A visitation will also take place for one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Douglas County, St. Mary's School Trust Fund or Douglas County Hospital/Medical Oncology. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.