Barry Leigh Bartelt

Barry Leigh Bartelt, aged 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Kobacker House. He was born on May 29, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Arland and Jeanne Bartelt. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joni Bartelt, and a sister-in-law who was more like a sister, Cindy Host. Barry was a loving father to two sons, Brenden (Tiffany) Bartelt, and Barry Leigh Bartelt II. He was blessed with the joy of being a grandfather to Graylin Eloise and Konnor Leigh, who brought immense happiness into his life.

In addition to his immediate family, Barry is survived by his two beloved sisters, Valerie (James) Nicholson of South Carolina, and Jan McNeal of California. His legacy of love extended to his nephews, Tom (Kristin) Burgett, Christopher (Mariea) Nicholson, and Tyrone (Niki) McNeal, as well as his niece, Kelly Pszyk, in addition to several great nieces and nephews.

Barry led a life rich in meaning and purpose. His intelligence was remarkable, yet he remained ever patient and humble. Everyone felt at ease in his company. Despite being a guitar-playing flower child of the '60s, he earned one of the first computer science degrees from The Ohio State University. After retiring from the Ohio Education Association, he pursued a new adventure, attending the Central Ohio School of Massage and co-founding Healthy Outlook Massage Therapy in Westerville.

Barry was known as a true animal whisperer. His heart was an open sanctuary for countless dogs, cats, turtles, fish, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, and opossums. His passion for life was unrelenting, whether he was sailing, hiking, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, rappelling, gardening, teaching yoga, or embracing a love for fitness. A dedicated music enthusiast, Barry enjoyed listening to, singing and playing music.

Barry cherished his friendships and welcomed new ones with open arms, from his college days to his time at OEA and Healthy Outlook. In his quest for truth and peace, he found solace in becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He served as an elder in the Grandview Congregation and found his purpose and hope in his faith. He was not only an encourager but also inspired by his many brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Barry's life will be held on Saturday, November 18, at 2:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (421 E. College Ave, Westerville, OH 43081) and will also be accessible via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses at www.jw.org, Kobacker House at www.foundation.ohiohealth.com/programs/hospice-giving, or The Columbus Humane Society at www.columbushumane.org.

Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.