Robert James Bartol

Robert James Bartol, age 75 of Berlin, passed away at home with his family by his side, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. Bob was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, on August 8, 1943, the first son of James and Alice (Resop) Bartol. He attended Saint Stanislaus Catholic School and Berlin High School, graduating in 1961. An avid sportsman, Bob enjoyed the outdoors and was a particularly successful bow hunter. He spent part of his final year of high school exploring Alaska. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Carol Plato, on August 10, 1963, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Berlin. Together they raised five children. Early in life, Bob served the Berlin community as a part-time police officer and volunteer firefighter. He was also a salesman for Mid-Western Sports Togs. In 1974, an unfortunate swimming accident left Bob paralyzed as a quadriplegic. However, he did not allow his handicap to stop him from being a successful man, husband, father and grandfather. Although confined to a wheelchair, he attended UW-Oshkosh, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983. He then was employed as a traffic manager at Badger Mining Corporation until his retirement in 2014. The Badger Mining handicap gun deer hunt program allowed him to continue to enjoy his passion for the outdoors, and he was successful in bagging several large bucks. Bob also continued to travel with Carol and many family members to a variety of places including Hawaii, Alaska, out West, the Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, and several trips to Las Vegas. But, most of all, family was important to Bob. He enjoyed many years of traveling in “Old Blue” to watch his children play high school and college sports. Later he continued to support his grandchildren in all of their activities. With his many life experiences, Bob was truly the leader of the family. He was often seen working in the yard with his children and grandchildren, teaching many life lessons. He loved to share stories with family and friends. His many words of wisdom will be truly missed. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol, sons, Scott, Tim (Jamie), Jeff (Jill) and Jerry (Amy), and one daughter Shelly (Brian) Johnson, brothers, Rich (Gerene) Bartol, Mike (Janie) Bartol, sisters Kathy (Jeff) Morris and Mary (Phil) Mlodzik, Grandchildren, Alyse and Olivia Bartol, Josie, Claire and Becca Bartol, Kristin (fiancé Colton Larschied), Austin and Lillian Johnson, Sophie, Bennett, Lyla, Gracey and Grant Bartol, Justin, Ryan, Jackson and Aaron Bartol, and many nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alice Bartol; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Helen Plato. The family would like to thank all doctors, nurses, caregivers, friends, and family members who have helped Bob in any way throughout the years, with a special thank you to Agnesian Hospice Hope. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Robert James Bartol

August 8, 1943 - November 21, 2018