The world is a little quieter place with the passing of Dan Bartsch. Dan passed away at Benefis Hospital due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was born March 3, 1933 in Butte to Emer and Stefana (Kitty) Bartsch. He attended Butte Catholic schools and graduated from Butte Central High school in 1950. Dan attended the University of Montana for 3 years before answering his nation’s call and served in the United States Army for 2 years during the Korean Conflict. Dan returned to U of M earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1958. Following graduation, Dan’s career began with 9 years in the right of way department at the Montana Power Co., then 27 years as the Public Hearings Officer for the Highway Department, retiring in 1993.
Dan married Mary Noreen Doran on September 7, 1957. From this union was born 5 children and 12 grandchildren: daughter Colleen Morgan and husband Tim with children Pat and Anna; sons Paul and wife Chris; Mike and wife Lisa with children Makenzie, Shea, and Sierra; Don and wife Cory with children Rian, Kady and Mike.; Kevin and wife Anne with children Amanda, Morgan, Dani, and Paige.
During his life, Dan enjoyed many sports, clubs, and civic activities. These included Legion baseball, where his team won the state title in 1950; he played football for U of M and participated in fastpitch softball into his 50s. He was involved in the Carroll College Century Club, the development of Small Fry football, the Helena High Booster club, and was an active member of the Military Affairs Association. His civic activities included the Knights of Columbus, Helena Jaycees, and he was an active member of the Cathedral of Helena.
Dan’s favorite hobbies included working on cars, bowling, working on friends’ cars, golfing, working on co-workers’ cars, hunting, and working on acquaintances’ cars. Dan’s greatest joy in life was attending his kids’ and grandkids’ every activity.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his son Mike, and his nephew Steve. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, his 4 remaining children and their spouses, daughter-in-law Lisa and husband Dick Bratton, brother Ron and wife LouAnn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will begin receiving friends at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A sharing from family and friends will follow the Rosary. A funeral Mass will be noon Friday, January 23rd at the Cathedral of Saint Helena with a reception to be held in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral immediately following the Mass. Cremation will follow and burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Cemetery 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dan’s name are suggested to The Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601; Knights of Columbus, PO Box 4097, Helena, MT 59604; The American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
Noon
Friday January 23, 2015
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 23, 2015
Brondel Center, Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2015
Resurrectiion Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
Noon
Friday January 23, 2015
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday January 23, 2015
Brondel Center, Located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2015
Resurrectiion Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Terry Harris says
To all of Dan’s family we have lost a great one. I am sorry for your loss and know that Dan will no longer have to suffer.I have known Dan for about 50 years and played fast pitch softball with him. He was a very good freind always with a smile on his face and a hearty hand shake. You will be in my prayers. Rest in peace Dan.
Valerie Nelson Jorgenson says
What a lovely man! I have such fond memories of him. My thoughts are with all of you.
Tim O'Leary says
We all know how giving Dan was of his time and help. I am lucky to be Kevin’s friend and the recipient many times while growing up of that help too. My favorite Dan Bartsch memory was the time he helped get my ’72 vw super beetle back from Butte where it had died at the ’85 boys bball divisional tourney. Dan immediately diagnosed a failed alternator. He devised a solution to charge the battery up fully and ” . . . that’ll get you home and we’ll change the alternator at the garage.” Our feelings of confidence ascending Boulder hill began to turn to dread as the car sputtered at the top. Luckily our momentum carried us over the hill and we coasted almost to Jefferson City. From there a call to Dan resulted in him coming out to tow us home to his garage. One rebuilt alternator later with no charge for his labor and we were cruising the drag in no time. Dan sure answered a lot of prayers for us growing up. Rest in peace to a man who treated his son’s friends like his own. And my condolences to the whole Bartsch clan.
Diane Macaraeg Langenfus says
Noreen and family,
Mike and I extend our heartfelt love and condolences to all of you at this very sad and trying time.
Kristy Gilbert says
My deepest sympathy to the Bartsch family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all ,God Bless,,,,,,,,
Linda Robbins says
Dan Bartsch was the kind of man who would see a sad, scared woman driving alone in the dark, in a blinding wet snowstorm, trying to coax the dying engine of a Nissan Sentra into making just a few more miles into town — and would stop to help. He and Kevin appeared in the dark, diagnosed a iced up radiator, and delivered me to a friend’s house. It was a routine kindness for a certain type of man, the kind who stopped to help a stranger, taught his children to do the same, and knew how to get under the hood and fix it. It was probably an incident he soon forgot, but it will stay with me for my life.
He was a good one. My thoughts are with all of the Bartsch family.
Terry & Jackie Coble says
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you in this time in this time of sadness. While our family moved away from Helena 14 years ago, my memories of Dan and his incredible family are still very vivid. Being friends and working with Paul, brought me close to Dan and his boys. When Paul and I started haying together, Dan was always there helping us keep our equipment running. But my favorite memories were those made during our hunting trips to the Lewistown area. It didn’t matter what little hole in the wall establishment we stopped in to get a cool refreshment, Dan always seemed to know someone there. That always amazed me. I really miss those trips and hope there is a good hunting ground in heaven, with its own little hole in the wall. Dan was such a loving and caring person and will be missed by all of us. I can truly say that the world was a better place with Dan in it.
Jon and Robyn Nickel says
Our fondest memory of Dan will be the times we shared while the boys played Small Fry Football games. And, If memory serves, we had quite a time after the games as well. He was great coach who perfected the shoulder roll during practice. His laughter was infectious – An inspiration to all of us.
Norm & Darlene Scott says
Bartsch Family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. May your many wonderful memories help to ease your pain.
Bill & Sally Toner says
Dan – what a great guy. There never will be another one like him! He was always willing to work and help anyone he could. I’m sure Noreen had a bit to do with his kindness to towards his kids’ friends as well. The whole Bartsch clan is pretty special. Dan will be sorely missed. God bless to all of the Bartsch’s.
Rosie Garvey says
Noreen and family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I have such fond memories of Dan. He was always the life of the party and made you feel so special. His kindness will never be forgotten. God bless all of you. Rosie Garvey
John C. Ulberg says
Dan was truly one of a kind. It seems like I spent an inordinate amount of time in that back
alley and garage watching, semi helping him perform his wizardry on my ’69 ford 3/4ton
(still going thanks to Dan) and everything else. At the Highway Department we shared
good times on the road. His patient, understanding demeanor won over many a hostile
crowd at Public Hearings. When I picked up a ’52 Chev.5-window pickup a few years back
I couldn’t wait to show it to him. He was truly an angel on earth, bailing many of us out of
scary tight spots with our vehicles. Dan always took the time to talk with no hurry to move
on, interested in everything and everybody. I always marveled at their tight-knit family and the
warmth of their house. You left your mark, Daniel P., and it will continue on.
Kathleen Pace says
Mr. Bartsch was always fun to talk to during the many softball games we attended over the years played by his granddaughters. We loved sitting by him and getting his take on the game. He’ll be missed!
Our thoughts are with you all,
The Pace Family
Terry Thomas says
My sincere condolences to the entire Bartsch family during this difficult time. Dan was alot of fun to talk to at all the car events around the Helena area.My favorite memory of Dan is when Kevin was overhauling Dan’s prize possession, his 1955 Chevy Bel Air and Kevin put a 6-71 Blower on top of the motor (just for a quick poloroid picture) .When dad saw what the kid had done to the 55, he went off.Dan’s big smile and happy attitude will be remembered always,
God bless all the Bartsch clan.
flossie shaw says
Bartsch Family
Dan was a special man with a heart as big as gold. May all the wonderful memories he created for you be held close and help you through your difficult time. Thoughts and prayers be with you.
Todd Olson says
On behalf of the Olson family, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. And while there will be pain in missing Dan, be reminded of the blessing that his life was and rejoice that he has returned to his eternal home. We are praying for strength and peace for you all!
Mimi Kintli says
My family and I lived next door to Dan and his clan for 20 years. My sister and I and the Bartsch boys grew up together with Colleen babysitting. I have so many fond memories of Dan, too numerous to count. He worked on most all of our cars, day or night, rain or snow and always got them running. He would never take any payment for his work; he did it because he loved it. And I think also to see the smile on our faces when the engine would purr after his hands worked miracles. I haven’t seen Dan in many years but I can still hear his voice, “OK Try it now!” I will never forget him or his kindness. My deepest sympathies to everyone feeling his loss.
Laura Tiddy Hill says
My deepest condolences to the Bartsch family. Dan was an incredible man who left such a positive impact on so many. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Curt Garret says
I was fortunate to have Dan as a Small Fry football coach with Cloverleaf Dairy and O’tooles (both 1st. time city champs and repeat champs) and Pony League baseball coach(before Babe Ruth baseball) . And played many years of Fastpitch softball with and agaisnt him and his sons.
He was one of those special men in my life that volunteered their time to coach and mentor boys. Those lessons that mean so much more than just sport.
Thank You Dan. And my sincerest condolences to his family.
Marc Racicot says
Theresa and I and our family extend our deepest sympathies to the Bartsch family. I first met Dan in 1967 when we lived across the street from one another on Warren Avenue. It seemed like I always had some broken down car sitting in the driveway and that Dan was always lying under it helping me in my efforts to get it running. He was an incredibly patient teacher and unusually generous with his time. He would inch his way under my car, look at what I was doing, analyze the situation, get grease and dirt all over his face, hands and clothes, move a transmission around like a toy and tell me that ought to do it. Not once, ever, did he fail to fulfill my hopes that he would figure out how to fix whatever problem I had with those miserable automobiles. It always made me smile to remember while Dan was up to his neck in oil and grime working on a car that some day before, or some day after, in our house, or somebody else’s house, Dan was or would be at the piano, smiling, looking up every once in awhile, his leg bouncing and keeping time, and those same huge hands and fingers delicately and so adroitly flying all over the keys and filling the room with unforgettable music. He was such an exceptionally good and decent man, loved and sorely missed by so many who were blessed to cross his path.
Charles J. Peoples says
The world will miss a very kind and loving person. I have known Dan since we were in high school. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Bob Seliskar says
It is a real tribute to Dan and Noreen how they raised 5 kids, passing their great values down to them, and have it stick. I have personally seen Dan’s helpful spirit and generosity in each of them. A wink and a handshake from Dano at mass always made my week start off right. The walk up for communion will never be the same. May you rest in peace Dan.
Josh Bannon says
I will never, ever, forget Dan Bartsch. I remember going to Alberta when Kevin and I were kids , we were on our way to an All-Star baseball tourney, to me it seems like yesterday, now I realize it was 35 years ago! We used to take turns having our families drive us home from All-Star practice, the one constant was Kevin and my dad arguing over what kind of engine was in what car. Mark Twichell and me would look at each other and laugh. I guess my point is Dan instilled so many great attributes in his kids and they learned how to talk to adults as adults at a very young age. My father always had the utmost respect for Kevin and he oftern told me about how learning from your parents, peers, will make you the person you will eventually will become. I’m so proud to be a result of the Bannon, Twichel, Seliskar, Bartsch family down in our little piece of South Central Helena! I think we all grew up to be pretty good klids and its all because of our great fathers!! I’m thinking about the entire Bartsch family tonight and I’m so proud to be such good friends with such an amazing family! Love all you Bartsch’s!! You mean so much to so many of “us”! Love you!!
Diane Pedersen says
Dear Kevin and family.
I was sorry to learn that your dad passed away. May God Bless you and your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen
Carol Morris says
As so many others have said here, this was a very special man who passed that on to all of his children that I have been blessed to know. And yes, I have car stories! It seems everyone who knows a Bartsch has one or two, mine being with Kevin who has rescued and fixed very old vehicles more than once! (To say nothing of the two roofs he, Donnie and Dan have put on my house!) I have been privileged to know Mr. Bartsch, his lovely wife, Kevin and Anne, Donnie and Colleen well…and met Paul too a few times. And each of them, as well as the grandchildren I’ve come to know, reflect the easy friendship, family loyalty and love that was so cleary modeled and given by their parents. As we lose more folks from these “greatest generations”, I find myself thinking how we are losing the “giants” among us…Mr. Dan Bartsch surely belongs on that list. As mentioned above, the world is a little quieter but I have a feeling, Heaven is a bit louder! You are all in my thoughts….Carol
Ed and Helen Hickey says
Noreen and Family,
We are extremely sad to hear of Dan’s passing. He fought a long and hard fight very
valiantly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed and Helen Hickey
Julie and Nick Holt
Steve Wilson says
My deepest sympathies to the Bartsch family. I’ve been gone from Helena for 43-years now, but I have wonderful memories of the Bartsch family that I hold very dear to me. Their home as always open. I think I spent as much time playing in their backyard as I did my own. From Kevin wearing out the wheels of his “Big Wheel” to big sister Colleen having to lay down the law to us rambunctious boys. How blessed we were to have had Dan touch all of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Glenn Wilson says
I’m sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. My favorite memory, from living across the street, was when the over abundance of cotton from the neighborhood trees accumulated in the gutter. Fireworks set it on fire and as the fire rushed towards his car, parked in front of his house, we all scrambled to stop it. Dan quickly kicked the “cotton” from the rear of the car leaving a blank area where the fire promptly stopped. He will certainly be missed by many.
Bill Bentley says
First of all, the Bentley family wants to express how sorry we are for your loss. I first met Dan as “Coach Bartsch” at a Small Fry Football practice field in 1975. Dan was the coach of the Clover Leaf Dairy Team. From that time on, I not only learned a lot of life lessons, but also maintained, over the years, many friendships from fellow teamates, including one with Coach Bartsch. It all started that day in August 1975, at the practice field behind Helena Junior High School.
His Grandkids and my kids went to school together and it was always a pleasure to see Dan, and catch up with Donny and Cory at sporting events. He was an icon throughout Helena. He will be surely be missed, but never forgotten.