Thomas R. Bartelson, 91, of Lyons, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Pine Brook Pointe.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 28, 1933, he was the son of Perry and Mildred (nee Rowley) Bartelson. His early life was spent in Spring Prairie, where he attended Elkhorn High School. He served in the US Army Reserves and on October 8, 1955, he was united in marriage to Sally Madsen. Following marriage, they made Lyons their home. He was a Lyons resident for 62 years.

Thomas was a self-employed farm machinery mechanic and member of the Lyons Fire Department. He was a kind, compassionate, hard-working and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. After a work-related accident in 1959, he was able to build the dream home on a hill on Knob Road which he shared with Sally for 62 years. It was there that they raised 5 boys. He enjoyed deer hunting and the special time with his sons and grandsons at breakfast at Local Folks after an early morning hunt. Coffee with friends at McDonald’s was a highlight of the week, where many stories were shared. He and Sally enjoyed their trips with Lamers Bus Travel. Each time they boarded a bus for a trip, he would say “Any farmers on the bus?”, and just like magic, he would meet many new friends. Restoring old tractors was his passion. He completely restored 4 Farmall tractors and the 5th one will be completed by a son. They had to be red because “If it ain’t red, it stays in the shed.”. Many long tractor rides and Memorial Day parades were enjoyed. Mostly he loved and treasured his children and grandchildren. He was a great role model for his family.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Sally; children, Timothy (Donna) Bartelson, Richard (Randi) Bartelson, David (Michelle) Bartelson, Michael (Joy) Bartelson and Paul (Annelle) Bartelson; grandchildren, Brett (Amanda) Bartelson, Kate Bartelson, Liz (Alex) Kitterman, Calvin Irek, Anel Rivadeneyra, Alexa Rivadeneyra, Matthew Bartelson, Alicia Bartelson, Evan Bartelson, Kyle Bartelson, Erin Bartelson, Shannon Bartelson and Sophia Bartelson; great-grandchildren, Magnolia, Vincent and Edwin Bartelson and Parker Kitterman; and sister, Joy (John) Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Betty (Joe) LeMere, Donald (Lois) Bartelson, Nancy (Willard) Schreiderer, Sally (Clay) Osborne and Barbara (Max) Holcombe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Burlington.

The family would like to thank Vicki Ranker and Aurora Hospice for their compassionate care during this time.

Services for Thomas will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Burlington. Relatives may visit with the family from 11AM until 1PM at the CHURCH. Burial will follow the service at Hudson Cemetery.

Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory

625 Browns Lake Drive

Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3434

www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com