Eleanor Bartig's Obituary
Eleanor (Holland) Bartig
Nelsonville, Wisconsin Eleanor (Holland) Bartig, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep cradled in the arms of the Lord, during the early hours of the morning on Saturday, March 19, at Ministry St. Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point. Eleanor died of complications originating from a ruptured appendix. Eleanor, who was "pure Irish", was born in the Kendal Township area referred to as "Truman" in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, to James Bernard Holland and Mary Ann (O' Brien) Holland. Growing up on a farm, the oldest of 9 children, (8 girls and a boy), Eleanor's life was changed forever at age 16 when her father died suddenly. Eleanor went on to help support her family, and completed a short course at the UW-Madison. Eleanor married Robert ("Bob") Bartig on February 23, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the same church where she was baptized 24 years prior. After living in Dubuque, Iowa, the couple moved to Nelsonville in 1956 where Bob became a partner in the Bartig & Alm John Deere Implement business. Eleanor helped with the annual "John Deere Day" celebration by making sloppy joe in multiple 15 lb. batches! Eleanor was a devoted member of her community and her church--having a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. She was always happy to "help out". She was Past President of the Portage County Homemakers & HCE, Nelsonville Women's Club and St. James Altar Society. She was recognized for 25 years of 4-H Leadership with the Nelsonville Zippy Zees. She was also an avid member of the Red Hat Club. Eleanor was especially interested in befriending newcomers to the Nelsonville area—as she herself was befriended. In her family, Eleanor was known for her love of Holland reunions and holiday get-togethers. Christmas, especially, was a wonder to behold, "Everywhere you put your hand down there was something to eat!" Eleanor is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert ("Bob") Bartig; her children, Jean (Steve) Meyer of Madison, WI, Kaye (Mark) Pethe of Seattle, WA, Dennis (Eileen) Bartig of Nelsonville, WI, Gary (Karen) Bartig of Minneapolis, MN, David Bartig of Madison, WI, and Carol Bartig of Seattle, WA; her grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Kochanowski, Ty Pethe, Allison Bartig, Max Pethe, Elsa Meyer, Emma Hovila and Mimi Hovila; her great grandchildren, Josiah, Vivian, Reuben, and Jude Kochanowski; her sisters, Lorraine Holland of Madison, WI, Eileen Pickett of Darlington, WI, Rosanna Van Matre of Darlington, WI, Loretta (Donald) Wilhelmson of Argyle, WI, and Vera Finley of Oregon, WI; and her brother-in-law, Ken Schewe of Oregon, WI. Our dear Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, James Bernard Holland (1938) and Mary Ann (nee: O'Brien) Holland (1980); her siblings, Joseph Holland (1981), Mildred Schewe (1999) and Mary Gille (2011); her nephews, David Schewe (1977), Michael Finley (1986) and Patrick Gille (2010); and her brothers-in-law, Donald Van Matre (1984), Paul Gille (1991), Merle Pickett (1993), and Robert Finley (2005). The Bartig family would like to thank the staff at Iola Living Assistance and Stevens Point Care Center for their assistance during Eleanor's stay there. They would also like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Ministry St. Michael's Hospital-Dr. Oo in particular. Shortly before Eleanor passed, she said; "Go on with your life. All of you. Go on with your Life." This means all of us. Let us carry her Irish sparkle forward, to which she would surely say, "Bless your heart!" A Visitation will be on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Jungers-Holly Funeral Home in Amherst with a Rosary Service to be held at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 453 S. Main Street, Amherst, WI, 54406, with a visitation from 9:00-11:00 AM at the church. Father Robert Pedretti will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial that has been established for the St. James Catholic Church Building Fund or to the American Cancer Society, 903 S.17th Avenue, Suite B, Wausau, WI 54401. Memories, stories and condolences can be posted at www.hollyfuneralhome.com. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements. JUNGERS-HOLLY FUNERAL HOME
262 S. Main Street
Amherst, WI 54406
1-715-824-3221
www.hollyfuneralhome.com
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