Kenneth D. Bartes

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Bartes, Kenneth D. age 80, of Backus, MN, (formerly St. Louis Park, MN) passed away peacefully on April 11, 2015 at the Knapp Medical Center in Wes-laco, TX (his winter home), after a long battle with lung problems. Ken was born in Clarkson, NE, and worked as a union mailer for 40 years - first at the Omaha World Herald, and then for 35 years with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, retiring in 1992. Ken and his wife of nearly 62 years, Shirley (Loeb) moved to Backus, MN, where they were members of the Backus Lions, serving the community for 21 years. Never a stranger for long, Ken was a kind and gentle soul who loved the outdoors and animals of all kinds. He enjoyed fishing every chance he could get. Ken loved life itself, and always had a big smile, an infectious laugh, and a story to tell. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, was an avid reader, and enjoyed country music. Their yard was always full of birds, and he especially loved his hummingbirds - dozens were constantly at his feeders, drinking up to a gallon a day of his special elixir. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter Diane Ericson, and granddaughter Allison Bartes. Ken is survived by his wife Shirley, brother Joseph Bartes (Jan), sister Dorothy Wooten, son Gary Bartes (Pamela), daughter Pam Ihle (Glen), son-in-law Don Ericson, granddaughters Jessica Ciko and Katie Bartes, grandson Ryan Bartes, great-grandchildren Ashtyn, John, Abbigail and Carter, niece Dana Schaap (Aaron), nephew Jesse Bartes (Faith), great-nieces and great-nephews, and brother-in-law, Tom Vian. Ken will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched, with lifelong friends and family throughout the United States and Canada. A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 29286 Highway 371 in Pequot Lakes, MN, on May 30, 2015 at 1PM with a luncheon to follow his service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor's favorite charity or to Kline Funeral Home, P.O. Box 511, Pine River, MN 56474.

Published on May 24, 2015