Burleigh A. Bartlett, husband, father, grandfather, and farmer, age 92 of Monroe, let the cows out to pasture for the last time on February 8, 2025, at SSM Monroe Hospital. Burleigh was born on December 31, 1932 in Monroe, the son of Arthur and Vera (Drake) Bartlett.
Burleigh graduated from Monroe High School in 1950 and attended the U.W. farm short course where he may or may not have been involved in shenanigans involving livestock let loose in the dorm. He lived on the Bartlett family dairy farm his entire life. The daily farming routine was firmly entrenched. After the animals were sold, Burleigh went to the barn every morning at 6:30 to feed the cats.
He reluctantly agreed to go on a date that later resulted in marriage to Lorraine Vigdahl on October 11, 1958 at the Orfordville Lutheran Church.
Burleigh was a long time member of the Monroe United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He was a member of the State and National Holstein Associations, the Clarno Township Smart Growth Committee, and served as Bethel Hawthorne Cemetery sexton for many years. He enjoyed bowling in several leagues and competed in many city and state bowling tournaments. He was an avid reader of history and anything that involved trains and he never stopped reading the farm papers and magazines. Above all, Burleigh loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Bartlett of Monroe; three sons, James (Ann) of Middleton, Daniel (Sara Pfannkuche) of Champaign, IL, John (Amy) of Monroe; three grandchildren, Alex (Laura Sandry), Ryan (Jane Brayko), Audrey; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday February 13, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe. Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeffrey Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Hawthorne Cemetery, Clarno Township, followed by a luncheon at the Monroe American Legion, 1627 12th Avenue. A memorial fund will be established in Burleigh’s name. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
