Gary Oliver Bartels

Preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Catherine Larsen Bartels, Gary is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Lynette, son Steve Bartels (Christine), daughter Kaye Eiland (Chris), step-daughter Lynda Pierce (David) and step-daughter Lori Davis (Douglas). He is also survived by his sister Jeneane Wuestenberg (Larry) and grandchildren Joshua Bartels, Sydnee Eiland, Izaac Eiland and Jake Anderson, whom he cherished.

Gary served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree in Education, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. While living in Nebraska, he held careers in hotel management and real estate. When the real estate economy in Nebraska declined in the early 1980’s, Gary and Lynette took a chance and moved to The Woodlands, TX, where they found much happiness. There, Gary was employed as Operations Manager for Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, a tax collection law firm, for whom he continued consulting following his retirement.

He loved college football, sailing, 4th of July parades with the Top Down Convertible Club, luminaries at Christmas, having a cup of coffee at the Café Florian in Venice, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Gary was a member of The Woodlands Methodist Church and lived his life centered around the birth, death and resurrection of Christ and believed in the promise of everlasting life. His life's perspective is summed up in the following quote from the book Apples of Gold. "Life is a Voyage in which we choose neither vessel nor weather, but much can be done in the management of the sails and the guidance of the helm".

The family would like to thank the caregivers with At Your Side, especially Birdie, and Vicki with Bristol Hospice for their compassion and support. Services will be held on December 20, 2023, at 10:00 am at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX, 77380.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society in honor of Gary’s memory.