Jonathan Bartel

Jonathan Bartel, age 89, of Colony, Oklahoma, passed away on May 17, 2026, in Weatherford.

Jonathan was born on September 3, 1936, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to Henry J. and Irene Bartel. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Colony and attended Corn Mennonite Brethren Church. He graduated from Corn Bible Academy, where he met the love of his life, Elsie May Karber. While at CBA, Jonathan enjoyed playing trombone and participating in track and field. His 100-meter dash record has been tied but remains unbroken to this day.

Jonathan and Elsie both attended Tabor College in Kansas during their freshman year before marrying on March 29, 1956, at Fairview MB Church. The couple began their married life in a small farmhouse near Colony before moving to the Bartel family homestead, which had been in Jonathan’s family for generations. Together they lived and worked on the family farm for 67 years. Farming was not only Jonathan’s occupation, but one of his greatest passions. He diligently expanded the family operation, primarily raising wheat and cotton. He also participated in experimental wheat research with the OSU Extension Service and was inducted into the Oklahoma State University Agronomy Hall of Fame in 1975.

Jonathan was a devoted follower of Christ who faithfully served his church and community in many capacities. He served on the Corn MB trustee board and was a longtime board member at Corn Bible Academy. Jonathan and Elsie worked side by side in countless acts of service, including the catering committee and the CBA German Supper. He also led congregational singing at Corn MB Church for a number of years.

Jonathan served on several community boards, including the Cowden Cotton Gin Board and the Kiwash Electric Board. He traveled to Washington, D.C., several times to meet with senators on behalf of rural electric cooperatives.

He was an avid reader who especially enjoyed Tom Clancy, Max Lucado, and Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. Music was another lifelong love. He enjoyed hymns, classical music, and musicals, especially Handel’s Messiah and Fiddler on the Roof. College sports were another favorite - he remained a loyal supporter of his OSU Cowboys through every season. Many will remember him reading Scripture with a hot cup of coffee in hand. He found great joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he loved helping Elsie host family and friends around their table.

Elsie was truly the love of his life. After she suffered a stroke, Jonathan faithfully took on additional responsibilities so they could continue living on the farm they loved for as long as possible. They shared more than 69 years of marriage before Elsie passed away in September 2025.

Jonathan was preceded in death by his parents, Henry J. and Irene Bartel; his wife, Elsie; and his sister, Joyce May. He is survived by his daughter, Janet Thiessen and husband Ed of Edmond, Oklahoma; son Howard Bartel and wife Cynthia of Weatherford, Oklahoma; and son Paul Bartel and wife Tomi of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Reuben Ulrich and John May. Also surviving and celebrating his legacy are eight grandchildren — Kyle, Brandon, Krysten, Aaron, Emily, Katie, Ethan, and Grace — along with 14 great-grandchildren, plus number 15 on the way.

One of his grandsons recently expressed, “From you I learned the value and dignity of hard work, but also how to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. You showed me that strength lies not only in effort and determination, but also in a tender heart that appreciates beauty in the world - things like the King’s Singers, and that strange and wonderful romance of wheat harvest.” Jonathan will be remembered for his deep faith, wisdom, love for his family, generosity, love of farming, dedication to service, remarkable work ethic, and selfless service. His spirit and legacy will continue to live on in our hearts.