Robert Wayne Bartels

Robert Wayne Bartels was born Sept. 12, 1934, at home on the family farm near Wauneta, Nebraska, to Anna Louise (Roschewski) and Arnold Henry Bartels. He was the first born with his twin brother Richard. Bob grew up near Wauneta and graduated from Wauneta High School with the class of 1952.
In August of 1954 Bob married Marilyn Curtis at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural Wauneta, and the couple settled in Imperial, where they raised their two children: Paul and Joni.
Bob was employed at several businesses in Wauneta and Imperial including the Wauneta Service Station, the Imperial Ford Garage and the Imperial Sale Barn. Bob was also the owner of the bulk truck at the Imperial Conoco Station where he worked with his brother Richard for many years.
On Oct. 29, 2016, Bob married Joanna Wilkerson at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial. The couple made their retirement home in Imperial where they enjoyed the company of family and many friends.
Bob was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, Imperial Volunteer Fire Department and Imperial Country Club. Bob was an avid hunter. He also played golf regularly and was a member of the Wednesday night men’s league with his brother Richard. For many years he owned horses and was part of the local roping club. Bob enjoyed helping local ranchers move cattle from pasture to pasture. He also enjoyed fishing. Bob especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Bob was a loving and accepting brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. His family loved him and are thankful for the years we had together. Bob had a firm belief in his Savior Jesus Christ and is in his heavenly home.
Bob passed away Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte. He was 87 years of age.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Louise Bartels; sisters Virginia, Alberta and Marjorie; wife Marilyn; and son Paul.
Survivors include wife Joanna of Imperial; daughter Joni Kaiser and husband Max of Imperial; grandchildren Luke (Alisha) Kaiser, Nick (Lisa) Kaiser, Nathan (Lindsey) Kaiser, Audra (Stoney) Bartels, Annie Bartels, Emily Bartels, and Evan Bartels; great-grandchildren Chase Archuleta, Cayden LeClair-Bartels, Weston, Avery, Willa, Noah, Silas, Isaiah, Caleb, Bennet, Maxwell and Jonathan Kaiser; brother Richard “Dick” Bartels of Imperial; brother Gene Bartels and wife Dottie of Wauneta.
Memorial services for Bob will be held Friday morning, July 8, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial, with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
No visitation. Bob’s wishes were for cremation.
Memorials in Bob’s memory, have been suggested to the family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.