Kenneth A. "Ken" Bartels, 69 of Bruce, died on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at home surrounded by his family following a 4-month illness of pulmonary fibrosis MDS.

Ken is survived by his wife Debbie, 1 son; Bradley (Heidi) Bartels of Weyerhaeuser, 1 daughter; Melissa (Jason) Miller of Chetek, 1 daughter-in-law; Jennifer (Travis) Acker of Stanley, 11 grandchildren; Brett and Katie Bartels, Bentley Richie Bartels and Willow Ekblad, Bella and Harper Miller, Mason, Maximus and Madalyne Bartels Acker and Duane and Faith Kolek, 3 brothers-in-law; Jerry (Lynn) Salter, Marvin Salter and Mike "Toby" Salter, 2 sisters-in-law; Jayne Steindl and Brenda (Dave) Asmussen and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Buck & Genevieve Bartels, a son; Brian Bartels, 2 granddaughters; Lilly Bartels and Ava Miller, 1 brother; John Bartels and a sister; Tina Bartels.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Weyerhaeuser United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark A. Bartlett officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church.

A complete obituary will be published in the Ladysmith News.