Obituary of Richard J. Bartel
On Sunday afternoon May 23, 2021, our beloved father and grandfather Dick Bartel passed away peacefully with family at his side at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, IL.
He is the beloved father of Richard K. (Tammy) Bartel and Bethany (Michael) Mattson; proud and loving grandfather of Alysa Caitlyn Bartel, Kayleigh Anne Mattson and Tessa Lynn Mattson. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Margaret Bartel.
He was born May 14, 1940 to the late Lillian (nee Lektoric) and Richard F. Bartel in Joliet where he lived most of his life. He attended Joliet Township High School and graduated from Lockport Township High School with the class of 1958.
Soon after graduating high school, Dick drove a garbage truck until he took a job with Ames Engineering in New Lenox. After a few years with Ames, he was hired on at Caterpillar Tractor Inc. where he worked until the opportunity to be self-employed arose in the mid-1960s and he opened a Union 76 full-service gas station on Jefferson Street in Joliet. After several clashes with corporate, he sold the station and joined his friend Gene Mensendike in the late 60’s operating G & M towing. Dick eventually established Dick’s Towing in the early 1970’s which is still in existence today.
Hard work and long hours were no stranger to Dick, assisting those in need all hours of the day and night. He consequently didn’t take time for granted and when it was time to have fun he made sure everyone around him did too! He possessed the gift of gab and a great sense of humor….Speaking of humor, he always loved a great game of golf with his favorite son-in-law, Michael Mattson. Humor was always on the golf course with those two.
Dick enjoyed the last 20+ years sharing a friendship with Mickie Wilcox. They enjoyed road trips, traveling the world, going to plays and just spending time enjoying life together. She passed away in October 0f 2019.
Most obvious, he had a passion for cars and racing. Whether it was drag racing, stock cars at Raceway Park in the 60’s or mini-stocks at Joliet’s Memorial Stadium going full bore was the Dick Bartel way on and off the track.
He will be sorely missed by his loved ones who find comfort in the notion that Dick’s life was a series of adventures and his quiet departure that Sunday from this life was quite possibly just the beginning of a brand new one.
As it was Dick’s request his burial was held privately for family at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice).
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
