Bob was born on September 24, 1957, in Dallas, Texas. The son of William Barthel and Beverly Marie Ellis, his family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was raised. He graduated from Kennedy High School, received his Bachelor’s degree from Coe College and earned his MBA from the University of Dallas. While at Coe, Bob was a member of the football team and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, where he developed lifelong relationships with teammates and brothers. Bob worked for various companies in the telecommunications industry throughout his lifetime. In October of 1990, he married Maria Ann Pitta, a beautiful girl from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They raised two children, John and Lily.
Bob had a passion for excellence, an unparalleled work ethic, and a gift for mentorship. He loved helping others in his humble and non-assuming way, whether it be coaching kids in flag football, counseling colleagues, or sharing his famous lamb chops. More than anything, he loved watching his children’s successes --- never missing a choir performance or sports activity.
Bob traveled often to see family and friends in Florida, Wisconsin, Texas and Iowa, with occasional international adventures. There was always time for working out with the Morning Maniacs, skiing in Colorado or a float trip each summer.
He is preceded in death by his father, William, and his sister, Patti. He leaves behind his wife Maria; children John and Lily; mother Beverly; brothers Bill, Bruce (wife Marlee), Ben (wife Rhonda); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves a large group of people throughout the country who were honored to call him friend. Special thanks to all those who cared for Bob throughout his journey, including KU Center for Aging, St Luke’s Hospice, and especially Dr. Steven Stites.
A Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with a Trisagion at 7:00pm on Friday, August 31 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:30am on Saturday, September 1 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church, 12001 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made in Bob's name to the ALS Association; Mid-America Chapter, 6950 Squibb Road, Suite 210, Mission, Kansas 66202; (913) 648-2062; http://www.alsa-midamerica.org/
Bob left us long before he was ready to go, but as a man of strong faith, he was at peace.
