Alice Loraine Bartels, 97, of Tomah, WI, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Liberty Village in Tomah, WI.
She was born at home on March 18, 1929, to August and Alice (Uischner) Heeler in Tomah, WI. Since she shared the same name as her mother, she became known to many as “Tootie”. Alice was raised in the Christian faith and a lifetime member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomah. She was baptized, confirmed, and attended St. Paul Lutheran School and was a member of the Tomah High School graduating Class of 1946. After graduation, she went to work for Frank Andres at Andres Hardware. On October 28, 1955, she married Marvin Bartels in Dubuque, Iowa. Once their son, Allan was born in 1960, she became a stay-at-home mom to him and their daughter, Karen. In 1978, after Allan graduated from high school, Alice went to work at Toro. Her earnings from Toro helped her and Marv to send their children on to higher education with Allan attending technical school and Karen going to college. She was enormously proud that she was able to help them.
In her spare time Alice loved to garden, every year she raised enough vegetables to can for her family to enjoy over the winter months. She also loved her flower gardens, raising beautiful tulips, gladioluses, and dahlias each year. Alice treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Often picking them up from school, reading to them and attending their school events. She also loved to travel with Marv, driving across the United States, with Branson, Missouri being one of their favorite destinations.
She is survived by her son, Allan Bartels, and daughter, Karen (Jim) Pierce. Her grandchildren, Brittany (Trent) Erickson, Derek (Mallory Murray) Pierce, and Katherine Bartels. Her great grandchildren, Briella, Atley and Trigby Erickson and Huxley Pierce as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her parents, and her siblings.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to send their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at Liberty Village and Tomah Hospice for the excellent care given to Alice.
Torkelson Funeral Home
