Roger Lee Bartels was born to Orvin and Irene (Laue) Bartels on May 19, 1944 in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  He was baptized June 4, 1944 and confirmed March 30, 1958 by Rev. John Heins at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.  Roger attended Hazel Green School District #41 through sixth grade; St. Peter’s Parochial School seventh and eighth grades and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1962.

Roger was a member of West Elk Creek 4-H Club and exhibited at the Johnson County Fair, Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben Livestock Shows and met many 4-H friends that he kept in contact with all his life.  He worked at the Tecumseh Livestock Market for many years.  Roger grew up on the home farm south of Tecumseh and farmed with his brother Leroy and ran a Grade A Dairy for 26 years.  He loved his cattle and especially the Shorthorn breed.  Roger loved going to purebred cattle sales and cattle shows.  

He was active in the farm operation until Oct. 26, 2014 when his gall bladder caused him severe health issues for the next 15 months.  Roger passed away on February 10, 2016 at the age of 71 years.

Roger is survived by his brother Leroy and wife Lisa and nephew Connor all of Tecumseh, aunts, Arlee Laue and Mary Jo Foetisch and husband Frank Jr. of Tecumseh and many cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvin and Irene Bartels.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, southwest of Elk Creek, Nebraska at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, 2016 with Rev. Robert Schermbeck officiating.   Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.   Memorials may go to the family’s choice.   Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.  Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.