Constance “Connie” L. (Gale) Bartels, age 73, of Monroe passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of John and Margret (Ortgiesen) Gale on January 27, 1948 in Nelson, IL.
Her childhood was spent growing up in Nelson. At the age of 2 she contracted polio. She spent many months (numerous times) at the Shriners Hospital in Chicago for treatment, and many surgeries. She ended up having to use braces, and crutches every day. This had very little impact on how she dealt with her remaining days. She wanted to simply live as others would, without ever truly showing her “handicap”. She could have chosen a totally different path, but her strong will lead her to a great future, with many opportunities.
She attended and graduated from Rock Falls High School and then attended Sauk Valley Collage. Connie, was united in marriage to Irvin Bartels on August 17, 1968 in Rock Falls, IL. They decided to move to Wisconsin and start dairy farming. While enjoying this way of life they were blessed with four children. Along with being a farmer’s wife she also worked at Juda Public Schools and then for Green County Human Services for twenty-three years.
Connie, always had a positive attitude, and enjoyed life on her terms, even when times were tough. She had a special place in her heart for all of her family and friends, but especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would just beam with joy when they were around. She will be missed by everyone she touched.
Connie, is survived by her sons, Jim (Rhonda), Michael (Kelly), Curt (Patti), and Nick (Emily) Bartels; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Ed (Sharon) Gale; sisters, Nancy Holman and Susan Devries.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Irvin, who passed on June 12, 2021; brothers-in-law, Dave Devries, Gary Bartels, and Terry Babler.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Chaplain Willy Little officiating. Burial will take place following service at Kelly Cemetery. The service will also be available on live stream for those who cannot attend, a link can be found at shriner111.com.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 4:00-7:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bartels Family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tammy Martin for her continued love, care, and support for Connie. Words cannot express our gratitude for everything she has done, we are forever grateful. Irv and Connie would be so very proud of the care she has provided. THANK YOU!
