Joseph Bartek

Joseph Andrew Bartek

Joseph A. Bartek, 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 17th, 2012. The family would like to extend their appreciation for the wonderful care and compassion provided by the staff at Manor Care Health Services and Vista Hospice Care during Joe's time with them.

Joseph was born April 7, 1937 in Rock Springs, WY, to Mary and William Bartek. He graduated from Rock Springs High School where he was an active member of basketball, track, cross country, and band. Joseph attended Scottsbluff Junior College on a basketball scholarship and started a dance band where he played the clarinet and saxophone. Joseph was drafted into the US Army in 1960, served 3 years active duty and 3 years reserve duty. He moved to San Francisco, CA, to attend the University of San Francisco at which time also performed and traveled with numerous dance bands.

In 1966, he married Joan Baker of Scottsbluff, NE, and, in 1967, he received his Bachelor's degree in Business and Economics from the University of San Francisco. Joseph was passionate about education and continuous learning—to that end, he received his MBA from Gonzaga in 1974 and his doctorate of education in 1985 from the University of San Francisco. Joseph spent his professional/business career in California, Washington, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Nevada. In 1977, Joseph and Joan welcomed daughter Andrea to the world. They raised Andrea in the Reno area and have resided in northern Nevada since her birth.

He loved music, traveling, photography, John Wayne, and the Bay Area. Joseph was particularly fond of University of Wyoming sports. His smile and laugh were contagious and would brighten any room. He always sought out the best in people and wanted to assist them in anyway he could.

Joseph was an active member of the BPOE (Elks) and the Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Joan; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Eric Berg of Cody, WY; sister, Elizabeth Bartek of Rock Springs, WY; brother, Paul Bartek of Orange, CA; sister-in-law, Arden Bartek of Rock Springs, WY; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 1:00pm at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Reno, NV. Memorial and burial services will also be held in Wyoming. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Fender Music Foundation in Joe's name.