Stephen William Bartels

Stephen W. Bartels, age 63, of Bradenton Florida passed away Friday, August 18, 2023. Stephen is survived by his son, Tyler Bartels and wife Sunny Bartels (Rife), and their children Saylor Bartels and Beau Bartels; his daughter Hannah Bartels, his siblings David and Daniel Bartels, his sister Elizabeth Rawls and his ex-wife Amy Lawrence-Bartels.

Stephen was born in Detroit, Michigan; was a graduate of Northville High School class of 1978, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business management from Ferris State University in 1982 and a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1985.

After graduation Steve and his wife Amy moved to Florida, where he took a management trainee position with CFS Continental Foodservice and thus began his career in the foodservice industry. Steve was taught the industry from the warehouse, picking items, to purchasing to sales. Steve was not a natural at talking back then, but his love of food was a natural fit for the food industry. Steve also worked for Mutual Wholesale and Parkway Food Service both acquired by his current employer US Foods. Steve loved his job and was especially good at collections, which I know his sales staff appreciated.

Steve was a generous and caring Father and Husband; he loved and was loved and will be missed always.

A private family service will be held for Steve; the Bartels’ family asks only that you leave a message and remember Steve as he was “larger than life”.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rtslwr.com for the Bartels family.