Merlin Bertelt, 74

The Rev. Merlin Howard Bartelt, 74, died March 8, 2010.

Merlin was born June 17, 1935 to Harry and Marie (Brandt) Bartelt. They were beginning their life together as farmers in northern Iowa. They were married during the Great Depression and now with the economy recovering they began their family. Five more sons and a stillborn daughter filled this family circle.

Merlin’s spiritual journey began in baptism on July 28, 1935. Sunday school, regular family worship and confirmation on May 7, 1950 encouraged this journey.

His formal education began in a one-room school, continued on in town with graduation from Titonka High School in 1953. He decided upon a career in parish ministry that took him to Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. It was there as a freshman that he “eyed” a special girl. “Eyed” refers to a wink in the cafeteria line waiting to get their meal. Darlene Rathman became his bride on June 2, 1956. They moved their trailer house to Dubuque, Iowa for seminary at Wartburg. Merlin earned a master’s degree there as well as ordination. Informal theological education has taken him to many lectures, seminars and workshops. Community service and church work beyond the parish gave him a varied background and a rich multi-disciplined experience.

The call into parish ministry has taken Merlin and Darlene to many communities. As a parish pastor you serve not only a parish but also a community and they serve you. Beyond a work site in Blue Earth, Minnesota and college with seminary and internships in Yorktown, Texas, their first community was Wausau. Green Bay and Eau Claire, Wisconsin were staff positions. Their children, Sharon, born in 1959, Joel, born in 1961 and Jon, born in 1967, grew up in Waseca.

An urban experience was in Racine, Wisconsin before the final years in Alexandria. This was a unique call. Merlin actually served three parishes. The call was to the Nelson churches of Our Saviour’s and Fahlun Lutheran along with First Lutheran parish using a quarter time for pastoral work. Parish administration was minimal so with joy he could preach, teach and visit people. Merlin retired 39 years, to the day, after his ordination. Visitation work continued on an hourly basis with Bible study, worship leading at Windmill Ponds, Arabella Manor, Clearwater Suites, Prairie Senior Cottages, Viking Towers and Diamond Willow.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marie; his brother, H. Keith; a stillborn sister; and a son-in-law, Paul Collins.

Those surviving are his wife, Darlene; children and their spouses, Sharon and Joseph Bridges of Alexandria, Joel and Katie Bartelt of Maple Grove and Jon Bartelt of Minneapolis; five grandchildren, Travis (Alison) Collins of Minneapolis, Krista and Jenna Collins of Alexandria, and Lauren and Rachel Bartelt of Maple Grove; sister-in-law, Alice Bartelt of Titonka, IA; four brothers, Wayne (El Jean) of Cedar Falls, IA, Lloyd (Verla) Bartelt of Titonka, IA, Dale (Julie) Bartelt of Mediapolis, IA and Glenn (Margaret) Bartelt of Maquoketa, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 13 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Greg Billberg and the Rev. John Beem officiating. Randy Morken, Sue Edwards, Andrea Olson, Sherry Billberg and Jan Halvorson provided music. Inurnment was at Fahlun Lutheran Cemetery in rural Nelson.

First Lutheran Church is planning for a new church building. Merlin would be pleased if memorials be given there for future parish ministry in this community reaching out to a world hungry for God’s good news of love and forgiveness.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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