Robert Thomas Bartsch

Robert Thomas Bartsch (Bob), age 72, passed away on July 5 surrounded by loving family, after a long and brave battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was the son of Edith and Marty Bartsch, who predeceased him. Bob retired from the Main Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library where he worked for more than thirty years. He was a graduate of Western Kentucky University . While at WKU, he was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church where he often led the singing at Mass. He was also a past president of Dignity. Bob was a very charitable person who donated to many organizations. He was especially generous to charities that supported a clean environment and those that helped struggling families. His family and extended family will always remember him leading his song, “On Top of Spaghetti” at the fall family reunion. No one could do it like he did! He is survived by his siblings, Fr. Ken Bartsch,OFM Conv., David Bartsch (Karen), Mary Lou Neel (Paul), Rick Bartsch (Patty), Cathy Crockett (Ed), Rebecca Bartsch (Don), Janet McAllister (Danny), Peggie Hogan, and Jim Bartsch (Cindy). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his partner of many years, Stephen P. Brown and his brother in law, Scott Hogan.

Although all of his siblings and their spouses helped care for him during the last few years of his life, his family is especially grateful to his sister, Cathy Crockett who coordinated his care and spent many hours attending to him and his affairs. Bob was very loved and will be missed greatly.

Funeral services for Bob will take place at St. Paul Catholic Church, 6901 Dixie Highway on Tuesday, July 11 at 11 o'clock. Mass will be followed by a Bereavement meal in the school cafeteria. Visitation will be at Advantage Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Highway on Monday, July 10 from 3 to 8 P.M. The burial of Bob's ashes will take place on a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageHardyChapel.com for the Bartsch family.