Daniel David Bartel

Daniel David Bartel, 66, of Grant, formerly of Mackay, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 at his home from an extended illness. None fought harder to overcome an illness as Daniel did. He was born December 19, 1946, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Henry Bartel and Gretchen Hein Bartel. He was raised and attended schools in Frazee, Minnesota. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and served during Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga. His military service brought him to Idaho Falls, attending Nuclear Training School. On December 17, 1966 he married Karen Lee Rock in Leslie, Idaho; their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on September 1, 1978. After his discharge from the Navy, they moved to Pocatello where he attended Idaho State University earning a degree in Civil Engineering in 1973. In 1974 Daniel moved his family to Mackay Idaho and started a career at INEL. Over the next 28 years he worked there in various capacities including Nuclear Plant Operator and Hazardous Waste Manager. Karen preceded him in death on October 15, 1996. Upon retirement in 2002 he pursued his passion for the outdoors by embracing cross country skiing, hiking, and scuba diving and enjoyed spending time with his growing family. On May 6, 2006 he married Kristine Allan Bateman in Iona. This newfound love brought additional adventures. Among other things, Daniel and Kristine pursued their creative passion for design and building by recycling old barns and using the wood to build a beautiful house together on the Snake River near Rigby. Daniel was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid runner, hiker, and mountain biker. One of his favorite stories was completing a unbelievable task of summiting Mount Borah twice in the same day. He also found interest in computers, reading and horticulture. Some of his prized plants were Saguaro cacti grown from seed and exotic Orchids. He is survived by his wife, Kristine Bartel, of Grant, daughters, Sandi Bartel (Randy) Colbus, of Upland, CA, Catherine Bartel (Rick) Hallowell of Blackfoot, Karen Bartel (Brent) Lish, of Bancroft, sons, Jared (Gena) Bartel, of Pocatello, Daniel (Jessica) Bartel, of Challis, sister, Ardelle Lordalen, of Minnesota, stepchildren Nichole (Randy) Chesley, of Logan, UT, Brett (Kathleen) Bateman, of Norfolk, VA, Danen (Heather) Bateman, of Saratoga Springs, UT, Anbrea (Carlos) Morales, of Rigby, Brian (Krisha) Bateman, of Roseville, CA, 27 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Karen and a brother, Roger Bartel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2013 at Grant 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, 3431 E. 100 N. Rigby. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Arco Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.