Joan Bartels

Joan Bartels, age 85, died on May 26, 2021. She was born on Feb. 22, 1936, to Joe and Laura (Graham) Sauer. The family lived in Benkelman, Nebraska, until she was 9 and then moved to Imperial where her dad opened a feed store. She graduated from Chase County High School in 1953 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for one year. Joan married the love of her life, Richard Bartels, on April 1, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Imperial.
Joan worked at various places in town before they ran the Conoco Service Station for 33 years.
Joan had an active, full life and always enjoyed working alongside Dick in the station, raising her children, being involved in different clubs and community activities as well as being a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church where she played the organ, sang in the choir and enjoyed playing in the bell choir.
Joan’s hobbies included playing bridge, drinking coffee, reading, baking cinnamon rolls, drinking coffee, gardening, pulling weeds, spending time with family and friends, drinking coffee, playing with grandkids, and watching sunsets from her front porch swing with Dick by her side. She loved the Lord and welcomed any opportunity to share her faith and be a light to those around her.
Survivors include: husband, Richard of Imperial; son, Kevin Bartels and wife, Amy, of Centennial, Colorado; daughters, Kerry Brown of Commerce City, Colorado and Laurie Burton and husband, Rich, of Elizabeth, Colorado; brothers-in-law: Robert Bartels and wife, Joanna, of Imperial and Gene Bartels and wife, Dotty, of Wauneta; 10 grandchildren, Camas and husband Brian, Mackenzie and husband Andrew, Shane and wife Kelly, Haven, Shelby, Logan and wife Karla, Austin and wife Megan, Ross and wife Kirstie, Drew and Brooke; 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, June 12, 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial, with Pastor David Kahle officiating. A private family inurnment (with all family invited) will be held before services at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
No visitation, cremation was chosen as per Joan’s wishes.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Joan’s memory has been suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church Music Department or the Lied Imperial Public Library.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.