Larry Harold Bartels

Larry was born on July 26, 1945, and was born again February 5, 1972. A fellow teacher shared with him Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Larry had the knowledge he needed, but it became personal when he reached out and accepted the free gift of salvation. He became a new creation with a desire to serve his Savior who redeemed him. He was so grateful for the price Jesus was willing to pay. The Bible became his personal guide. Larry left us on January 16, 2022, when his Savior released him from his long struggle with dementia. During those years he never lost his sense of humor, or his ability to recognize those he loved. Larry’s love for children was obvious. In the early years of their marriage, he and his wife Betty opened their home to many foster kids while raising children of their own. Larry taught for many years in the U.S. as well as several years in Lima, Peru. He was deeply loved by his students. In 1984-1986, while teaching at a missionary school in Lima, Peru, Larry and Betty’s family grew from five children to seven. This brought them much joy. Two years later, when the missionary school urgently needed a teacher, they followed God’s call and returned to Peru. During this time they were deeply touched by the plight of abandoned children. In 1992, after raising support, the family returned to Peru to begin a children’s home with Kids Alive International. Over the next 8 years, Larry became a beloved father figure for over thirty children, a role that he deeply cherished. In 1999, Larry became a grandparent to the first of 22 grandchildren. He enjoyed each and every one of them, and spent many hours being “the best Papa ever.” Although the care for Larry became more difficult as time passed, Betty felt privileged to have been able to care for him, and blessed to have his companionship. On Sunday, January 9, 2022, Larry and Betty enjoyed their last date; a trip to Costco to get ice cream, his favorite treat. Larry will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Bartels; his children: Bonnie & Tom Stewart, Dan & Jodi Bartels, Mike & Patti Bartels, Karen & Ryan Huizinga, Benjamin (Jim) & Jodi Bartels, Kimberly Bartels, and Kristi & Ryan Kretschman. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Annaliese (Noah), Olivia, Luke, Braedon, Blake, Jillian, Katelyn, Judah, Andrew, Levi, Zachary, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Micah, Isaac, Noah, Caleb, Nora, Vala, Shawn, Ryder and Desmond. Larry is mourned by his siblings: Betty (Bob) Gaunt, Mary Jo Geertsema, and Kay (Tom) Judy, and his sisters and brothers-in-law: Jan Bartels, Neeltje (Frank) Padilla, Rosalie Almas, Adriana (John) Lont, and Ken (Sharon) Bergwerff, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also mourned by his friend David Johnson, who was like a brother to him, as well as the many children from the children’s home in Peru. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucille Bartels, in-laws, Neal and Margaret Bergwerff, brother Robert Bartels, and brother-in-laws Martin Geertsema, Michael Bergwerff and Jack Almas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22 at 2 pm at Grandville Bible Church, 4122 44th St SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with a visitation from 1-2 pm prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed at www.grandvillebible.org . There is a link at the top of the homepage that says “To livestream any service click here”. Relatives and friends may also meet the family on Friday, January 21 from 4:30-7:30pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, MI, 49418. In honor of Larry, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Kids Alive International (2507 Cumberland Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383) or Navigators (Jim & Jodi Bartels) (P.O. Box 6027 Albert Lea, MN 56007).