Submitted by: John C. Monk
Nancy Jo Bartels Nov.
2, 1936 - Dec. 11, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Nancy Jo Bartels, 72, of South Bend, died at 11:40
p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Memorial Hospital following a
brief illness. The daughter of Martin and Jane (Cary) Tarnow, the
founders of Martin's Supermarkets, Mrs. Bartels was born on
November 2, 1936, in South Bend, and was a lifetime resident. She
had a lifelong commitment and interest in the grocery business.
Through her husband Bob, chairman, and son Rob, president and
CEO, she was a supportive participant in the three generations of
growth and development of the family business. On February 1,
1964, in South Bend, as Nancy Jo Tarnow, she married Robert E.
Bartels, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Amy Jo
(Jim) Stoll of Wilmette, IL; a son, Rob (Ann) Bartels of South
Bend; seven grandchildren, Bobby, Andy and Billy Bartels, and
James, Samantha, Emma and Nancy Jo Stoll; and one sister, Suellen
Leslie of Kitty Hawk, NC. Nancy Jo took her own path in life and
shared it with her family and friends. She was unpretentious and
met folks where they were and as she was. She could relate as
comfortably and easily with a stranger in line, a lost child, or
"big deals" in the world. She was a direct and
opinionated lady with a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye and a
ready sense of humor. Many of her friendships lasted a lifetime,
sometimes generations: Once you were Nancy's friend you were
always her friend, even after long separations. Her artist's
heart, sensitivities, and excitement for life's experiences
carried her into many adventures. She was a painter and a
sculptor. She arranged flowers, welded, and cast art. Each of her
pieces was distinctive and authentic. She appreciated other's art
as well, especially the beauty of fast and spirited horses. Her
keen intuition and perception were important in her
relationships. She was genuine though not particularly
sentimental. She connected with people and made a difference. Her
insights and loyalty were enormously helpful to her students,
friends and family. Her children's friends were her friends as
well. Nancy had a deep appreciation for nature. She welcomed the
heat of the summer, winter's deep snow, a fire on a fall's crisp
day, and spring freshness. She enjoyed the biggest thunderstorms,
the full moon on a deep night's lake, and the kind of blizzard
where you can feel the snow falling. The activity of God's
green earth was a source of comfort and interest. Nancy watched
the wild world with perpetual curiosity. Funeral services will be
held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16th, in the First Presbyterian
Church, 333 W. Colfax Ave., with Rev. James Miller of Sunnyside
Presbyterian Church and Dr. Robert Agnew officiating. Graveside
services and burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends
may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15th, in the Welsheimer
Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St. Memorial contributions
may be made to Alcohol Addiction Resource Center, 818 E.
Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617; to the Secret Sisters
Society, 4215 Edison Lakes Pkwy., Suite 300, Mishawaka, IN 46545;
or to the Nature Conservancy, Indiana Field Office, 1505 N.
Delaware St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Family and
friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on
12/14/2008