John Howard Bartlett passed away at the age of 94, as the oldest member of the St. Francis Parish of Ellsworth, Wis. on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at the Prescott Nursing and Rehab Center, Prescott, Wis. He was born Nov. 29, 1928, to parents Howard and Loretta (Hughes) Bartlett on the family farm in Ellsworth, established in 1876 by his grandfather (William Bartlett). At the age of 15, while still attending high school, his father became gravely ill, and he took on the responsibilities of managing the farm and became the caregiver to his younger siblings. Upon his father’s (Howard) passing and receiving his diploma from Ellsworth High School, John remained a farmer and called the family farm his home, until the last 45 days of his life.
Prior to John reaching his 30th birthday, he had decided that the bachelor life was not for him and was united in marriage to Norena Johnsen. They recently had the pleasure of celebrating their anniversary of 64 years together. They were blessed with five children: John David, Anna, Thomas, Catherine and Teresa.
John was one tough guy, a hardworking, dedicated farmer and a devoted Catholic. His passion was always farming, but he carried high loyalty and love for his neighbors and family. He was a forward-thinker when it came to new ideas to preserve the soil and obtain the most abundant crop. If farming wasn’t on his mind, he’d be enjoying the next celebration with family that would include pizza and homemade chocolate cake. He also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Mo. and a trip to Gallway, Ireland to see where his ancestors were raised. During the last year, he acquired a new following of friends through his caregivers at Adoray Home Health & Hospice and the staff at the Prescott Nursing and Rehab Center. His infectious smile showed his appreciation for the wonderful care that was given to him.
John will remain in the hearts of his wife, Norena; children, Anna M. Bartlett, Catherine “Caty” Bartlett (John Urich), Teresa (Troy) Hanson; grandchildren, Alexandria “Alex” Bartlett, Jackson (Jennifer) Bartlett, Jacob Sterny, Lucas Sterny, Nathaniel (Jackie) Carlstrom, Samantha Carlstrom, Travis (Caitlin) Hanson, Crissy (Benjamin) Anderist; his remaining brother, Jerry (Sandy) Bartlett; his nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren; Emma Carlstrom, Esme & Finn Anderist, and Adalyn Hanson.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Howard and Loretta Bartlett; brothers, Leon and James Bartlett; sisters, Dorothy (George) Valentine, Jan (Marvin) Halgren and Catherine Wolpers; his sons, John David Bartlett and Thomas Bartlett.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church: 231 W. Woodworth St., Ellsworth, WI. Visitation will start one hour prior at 10 a.m. Interment will be at St Francis Catholic Cemetery following mass.
