OBITUARY
Wallace James Bartek
November 30, 1935 – May 25, 2013
Wallace James Bartek, 77, of Lake Belton died on May 25, 2013. Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Temple with Rev. James Ekeocha as celebrant and Rev. Rakshaganathan Selvaraj as concelebrant. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park.
Wallace was born on November 30, 1935 to Mille and Henry F. Bartek in the Stringtown community in Bell County. He graduated from Rosebud High School in 1953 and received his Associate of Applied Science Degree from Temple College in 1974, Bachelor of Science Degree from American Technological University in Criminal Justice in 1974, and was a graduate of the 93rd session of the FBI National Academy. He married Martha Jez on April 21, 1956. He was a police officer for the City of Temple for 33 years, retiring in 1991 as Captain of Administration. After retirement, he was the owner/operator of M&W Auto Sales.
He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1956 and was a charter member of Council 7197. He served as president of the Temple Police Association and SPJST Lodge 87 and was a member of the Optimist Club and the Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Ambassadors.
Wallace had a great love for his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren playing video games, attending their sporting events and boating on Lake Belton. He loved buying and selling cars, visiting with friends, working at the farm, and dancing with the love of his life, Martha. They celebrated their 57th anniversary this year.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Henry E. Bartek and a nephew, Curtis Bartek. Survivors include his wife, Martha Bartek; one daughter, Belinda Minzenmayer and husband, Bruce of Temple; two sons, Brice and wife, Cynthia, of Austin; Blane and wife, Gabie, of Hewitt; six grandchildren, Andrew Minzenmayer of College Station; Kathleen and Kelly Bartek of Austin; Alena and Justin Bartek of Hewitt; and Rachel Vaughn of Corpus Christi; one niece, Judy Cyr and husband, Ronald, of Joshua; and one nephew, Russell Bartek and wife, Debbie, of Belton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Luke’s Coming Together in Faith Campaign, 2807 Oakdale, Temple, TX 76502.
Services
- Visitation Tuesday, May 28, 2013
- Rosary Service Tuesday, May 28, 2013
- Funeral Service Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Memories
Wallace James Bartek
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRobert Hicks
June 17, 2013
Mrs Bartek, I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Bartek was one of the kindest people I knew. I always enjoyed our conversations we had out near the back fence. He will be missed by the Hicks family. We will continue to watch over the properties near our home. If you need anything please lets us know.
Chad Engbrock
June 4, 2013
Dear Martha:
As I've gotten older, every time I had the opportunity to see Wallace, which was usually far between, brought a smile. It was hard not to because he radiated a such warm smile himself. The two of you were and have been the best godparents one could ever hope for. May God grant you peace and comfort and I know Wallace is smiling down on all of us.
Love, Chad
Shelby Pagel
May 30, 2013
Dear Martha, so sorry to hear of Wallace's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless...Shelby Pagel
Blane Bartek
May 30, 2013
Dad, I love you and will miss you.
Judy Hicks
May 29, 2013
Martha: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May wonderful shared memories help keep him forever close to your hearts.
Earl and Pam Engbrock
May 29, 2013
Martha, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wallace was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. We wish you peace and comfort knowing he is in God's hands. May God bless your Family.
May 29, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Martha Bartek and family at this difficult time. Wallace was a good man. May your memories of the good times help you through the bad times. Glen and Patsy McKenzie
Dan & Tambra Wills
May 29, 2013
Tambra and I are deeply saddened by the news of Capt. Bartek's passing. We praise God for the Blessing of personally knowing such a Godly man. It was a true honor to have had the opportunity to work with, and be friends with Wallace and Martha. Our prayers of peace and comfort are offered to Martha and the Bartek family as they undoubtedly hurt and mourn. We take comfort in knowing in trust that Wallace is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Bill Sapp
May 29, 2013
Captain Bartek was I am proud to say one of the finest people that I have ever known.our loss is heavens gain. Good bye old friend until we meet again.
Bill Sapp
May 29, 2013
There is always a smile when remembering Captain Bartek at work and play. My husband and I extend our sincere sympathy to Martha and family.
Liz and Eldon Brown
Rick Castillo
May 28, 2013
Captain Bartek was a truly outstanding Police Officer, but more so, he was a kind, remarkable and respectful gentleman. He was a great Leader and I was always honored to serve under him for several years. To know Captain Bartek, was to have a lifelong friend. His huge smile and soft-spoken kind words could instantly turn the darkest day into bright sunshine. I often wondered how such a nice, thoughtful and mild-mannered individual could maintain such a consistently pleasant attitude in the midst of everything a police officer is confronted with. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bartek family during this time of sorrow. God Bless you, Captain Bartek.
Rick Castillo
Temple P.D.
1977-1992
Jay and Susan Green
May 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kaci Blackwell
May 28, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Richard Sapp (tpd ret)
May 28, 2013
Captain Bartek was a true friend and always a supurb individual. It was an honor to have had him as my Captain, mentor and trusted collegue for many years. Happy trails my friend, see you again someday. Vio Condios
Roy Pitrucha and Family
May 28, 2013
There will be no greater Police Officer, Role Model, or Friend than that of Captain Wallace Bartek. My dad and I worked for Captain Bartek for many years. I look up to Captain Bartek as a real Hero and it was such an honor to work for him. Those were the good times. There are no words to express our grief and sorrow except to say this world has lost one of the very best. Heaven is rejoicing that he has come home. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Mrs. Bartek and the Bartek family.
Roy Pitrucha and the Pitrucha Family
Karen Thorburn McGregor
May 28, 2013
Captain Bartek was a dear man and friend. The Temple Police Dept. has lost another former leader which can't be replaced. My prayer for his family is comfort, strength and peace during their sorrow. God bless you all.
Donna Howell
May 28, 2013
Wallace was kind, caring, had high integrity and a true gentlemen. He should be a role model for police officers today.
Donna Howell
Wayne Parsons
May 28, 2013
Will never forget him as my mentor and Captain. Learned police work and demeanor that would serve me through out my career. Thank you.
May 28, 2013
Martha and family. We have loved you all as our own family. I know you will miss Wallace but only God can help you through this difficult time. Love you Marvin & Johnnie Ann Labaj
Ronnie and Candy Wilcox
May 28, 2013
What a sweet man Capt. Bartek was, and a true hero to our city. He was the epitome of what a police officer should be and set the example for many generations to come. We admired the man and looked up to him. He is one who will truly be missed in this community. Godspeed, Capt. Bartek...
Hal Pagel
May 28, 2013
Wallace Bartek was a great neighbor, a wonderful man and a dedicated public servant. Temple is a greater place because of his love and dedication. I pray God's love and comfort be poured out for the Bartek Family.
Barbara Williams
May 27, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you.
Chuck and Barbara Williams
Robin Payne
May 27, 2013
What a wonderful role model Wallace was for the kids on our East Central block. He was funny and entertaining, and he always had time to listen. It didn't matter if we were playing ball in the yards, eating watermelon, or having one of our block parties, he always had fun. Growing up next door to the Barteks was a wonderful experience. God bless you, Wallace, for being the man you were! We were lucky to have you in our lives.
Tina Payne
May 26, 2013
Nothing was better than having a policeman be your next door neighbor when you're a kid. Just the knowledge that he was next door probably kept me out of some of the trouble I decided not to get in to. Could not have asked for a nicer/kinder man to live by. What a blessing you were in my life.
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