Maxine Bartels

A Funeral Service for Maxine Bartels, age 90, of Spirit Lake will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00-11:00am at the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth, Minnesota at 2:00pm on Tuesday.

Maxine Ruby Bartels, daughter of Milford and Ruth (Larson) Ihle, was born on September 14, 1933, in Huxley, Iowa. On December 18, 1954, Max was united in marriage to David Bartels in Elmore, Minnesota. The couple initially established their home in Minnesota before planting new roots in Spirit Lake in 1987.

Max was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, where her warm spirit and commitment to community shone brightly, she was always ready to lend a helping hand. She actively participated in the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, various church activities, school lunch program, scouts, and was a Gold Circle Member from 2005-2017.

Max's culinary talents were renowned, finding joy in preparing Komla, baking Kringla and Lefsa. Her kitchen became a place where memories were made. Coffee time with friends held a special place in her heart, as did the simple joys of roller skating, dancing, listening to music, and the thrill of shopping for treasures.

A true matriarch, Max found immense happiness in the company of family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The lake became a backdrop for cherished moments. Her early morning birthday calls became a tradition, a gentle reminder of the love she gave and received.

Her gracious spirit extended to serving and entertaining large groups of people, leaving an enduring legacy of hospitality. Max reveled in the magic of Christmas and the patriotic fervor of the 4th of July, making these holidays extra special for everyone fortunate enough to celebrate with her.

On January 31, 2024, Maxine Ruby Bartels passed away peacefully at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Terry Bartels and his wife, Susie of Spirit Lake; daughter, Tamera Martin and her husband, Thomas of New Prague, Minnesota; son, Tracy Bartels and his wife, Sandra of Spirit Lake; grandchildren: Travis, Tara, Nathan, Tasha, Leah, Heather, Heidi, and Brett; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine Ehrich; brother, Larry (Roseanne) Ihle; sister, Sandy Schroeder; sister-in-law, Betty Ihle; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband, David Bartels; parents, Milford and Ruth Ihle; brother, Jerry Ihle; sister, Idalice Holmseth; and brothers-in-law: Robert Holmseth, Winston Ehrich, and Tom Schroeder.