Lonnie Bartel

Lonnie E Bartel, (61) of Iowa CIty, Iowa, passed away May 18, 2024 after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Lonnie was born November 21, 1962 to Eldon & Ethel Bartel of Hillsboro, KS. After attending Hillsboro schools and graduating in 1981, Lonnie attended Hesston College in Hesston, KS. There he fell in love with Julia Wyse and they married in 1983. Three daughters joined the family: Linea (Nick) Rochford (Iowa City), Hannah (Alan) Randall (Eagle, CO), and Amanda (Zeke) Gunnink (Iowa City). Grandchildren Elsa and Kit Rochford added to his happiness. Lonnie’s family were his heart and soul and the greatest joy of his life. 

Lonnie earned his AA in Aviation from Hesston College in 1983. Over his 38 year aviation career, Lonnie worked at Fisher Air (McPherson, KS), MACAir Corp. and McPherson Flight Center, Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin, and United Airlines where he held offices and was active in the Airline Pilot’s Association of United Airlines. 

Lonnie exuded integrity, friendliness, positivity, compassion, a sense of curiosity, and held a deep desire to reflect God’s goodness for the good of all. From a young age Lonnie lived by “Leave any place or thing better than when you found it”. Throughout his years Lonnie did just that in both his career and through volunteerism. He helped his family & friends, First Mennonite Church of Iowa City (FMC), and the greater Mennonite church. At FMC he served on various commissions, taught Sunday School, sponsored the youth group, directed traffic at football parking, ran the audio system, and offered his talented voice to various singing groups. Lonnie supported Mennonite Central Committee locally by helping at the annual MCC Sale and by volunteering for the Crowded Closet by running their ebay shop. He was the President of Mennonite Men USA for 12 years. 

Besides being a proud father, grandfather, and husband, Lonnie was also an avid reader, carved wood, picked at the guitar, and enjoyed traveling with Julia. 

Lonnie is survived by his wife, three daughters and their husbands, and two grandchildren; sister-in-law Darlene Bartel (Hillsboro, KS); brother Lynn (Fran) Bartel, Edmond, OK; sister Ellen (Don) Patry, BelAire, KS; in-laws Alice and Gene Wyse, Wayland, IA; sister-in-law Jodi Wyse (Allan) Woline, Mt. Pleasant, IA; and 6 nephews and 2 nieces. Lonnie was predeceased by his parents, his brother Daryl Bartel (Hillsboro), and his brother-in-law, Curt Wyse (Mt Pleasant). 

Celebration of life memorial service will be held 10:30 am Monday, June 17, 2024, at the First Mennonite Church in Iowa City. Visitation will be Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mennonite Men or to the Crowded Closet Thrift Shop of Iowa City. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Lonnie and his family. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Livestream link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrUDdzZVugU