Carolyn Jean Bartell of Parker, Colorado passed away peacefully with family on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the age of 93. Carolyn was the eldest of four, born September 8, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio to Edwin and Irene Eriksen. She attended Denison University and Ohio State University, earning a degree in elementary education. On June 6, 1953, Carolyn married Benson Michael Bartell.
Carolyn nurtured her passion to beautify the world around her. She enjoyed gardening, birding, flower arranging, singing, quilting, crafting, decorating, and reading. She cited raising her four children and being a Lutheran pastor’s wife as her proudest accomplishments. A secret goal she held as a patriot came true: a sitting US President worshiped at her husband’s church.
Farther from home, she did mission work in Africa, including managing microloans, supporting the Lutheran World Relief, equipping elementary teachers at rural schools, and supporting God’s Garden, a school founded for AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe.
In addition to working in Africa, Carolyn and Ben traveled Europe, the Holy Lands, and Hawai’i. She especially enjoyed visiting cathedrals and other historic sites.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ben, and siblings Janet and David and their spouses Bill and Susan.
She is survived by her sister Sharon (and husband Ray), and children Beth (Scott), David (Norah), Debbie (Mike) and Peter (Sonya). Her grandchildren are Matthew (Stephanie), Zachary, Ethan (Shelby), Leilani (Chris), Daniye, Carolani, Jeanette, Adam (Courtney), Stephen (Rachel), Caleb (Ali). Great-grandchildren are Coren and Kinley Sorenson, and Hailey Knauff. There are also many beloved nieces and nephews, and friends.
Carolyn’s children extend their warmest gratitude to the staff and friends at Pine Grove Crossing Assisted Living for all the loving care and companionship they provided our mom for nearly three years.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 3 at 10 am, Mountain Time, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, CO. The service will be live-streamed at www.BethanyLive.org.
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