July 19, 1926 – September 3, 2023
Freddie August Bartel was born on July 19, 1926, on the ranch near Welfare, Texas. where his parents settled in 1919 and Freddie lived until his death on September 3rd, 2023.
He attended school in the Welfare one-room school and graduated from Boerne High School in 1943. Later he earned an associate’s degree in engineering and mathematics from St Mary’s University in San Antonio. On Feb. 11, 1950, he married Marjorie Laas, also of Welfare. Together they raised three children, one son and two daughters: Wayne (Donna) Bartel, Carol Ann Bartel, and Patsy (Kerry) Avirett, six Bartel grandchildren and spouses Josh (Margaret) Bartel, Sara (Tony) Bartel-Catania, Chrissy (Andy) Snowling, Grant (Kaili) Avirett, Chad Avirett, and Kayla (Joel) Avirett-Zachry; two step-grandchildren, Janna (Sean) O’Neill and Haley Chaffin; plus 14 great grandchildren: Perri, Elise, Irene, Freddie, Sebastian, Ava, Davis, Wells, Elliot, Evyn, Kayson, Briar, Tegan and Rylee.
Fred and Margie enjoyed living and operating their ranch where they engaged in a range of activities, including custom farming, gardening, raising sheep, goat and cattle, and deer hunting.
However, during that same time, Fred led a second career in the military and civil service. In World War II he served as a signalman in the U.S. Navy under Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz at his advanced Pacific headquarters on the island of Guam.
After the war he returned to the farm, but pursued additional work including aircraft mechanic, tank mechanic, weapons inspector and eventually advancing to supervisor of the Manpower and Organization branch at Kelly Air Force Base.
He held that position until 1989 when he retired with an Outstanding Civilian Career Service Medal.
Memorial Service for Freddie August Bartel was planned for September 9 at 11 a.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Comfort.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home.
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