Wallace Lee Bartel

Wally Bartel of Pine City, formerly of Kroschel, passed away peacefully Friday, January 9, 2026 at his home at the age of 79.

Wallace Lee Bartel was born June 5, 1946 to Walter and Evelyn (Erickson) Bartel in Kroschel Township, Pine County, Minnesota. He was the youngest of three brothers and one sister. Wally attended school in Kroschel Township School. In his early years the family moved to Hinckley. He graduated from Hinckley High School. He was active in the community and local sports and enjoyed both hunting and fishing locally.

After high school, Wally met and married Nancy Teich of Pine City. He enlisted in the United States Marines and after boot camp was deployed to Vietnam. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, returning from Vietnam as a Marine Corporal. After proudly serving his country and his honorable discharge from the Marines he began his career in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He faithfully served 32 years for the DNR.

Retired from the DNR Wally started employment with the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department as a jailor, transport, and bailiff. He served Chisago County with pride for 8 years and then officially retired.

Wally shared his adventurous spirit with his wife and three sons at their land in Kroschel, travels throughout Canada, South Dakota, Montana and Alaska. The family enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and exploring hidden treasures off the beaten path. One of Wally’s favorite pastimes was float fishing local rivers including the Snake, Kettle, St. Croix and Lake 11.

Wally and Nancy had a ministry service to the Native American Communities across the northern states, which they immensely enjoyed doing together. He was an active member in the local military posts and took great pride in his friendships with brothers in arms. He was well loved and honored by many family, friends, ministry leaders and will be greatly missed.

Wally is survived by his loving wife Nancy Bartel of Pine City; sons William Bartel of Kalispell, Montana, Joseph (Kimberly) Bartel of Chisago City, David (Elizabeth) of Lakeville; grandchildren Cole Bartel, Aimee Bartel both of Kalispell Montana, Josh (Kayla) Hassing of Chisago City, Jordyn (Andrew) Brandt of Farmington, Maddison (Justin) Ellis of Cloquet, Grace (Hunter) Meyers of Faribault; great grandchildren Lilly Hassing, Braxton Brandt, Ryker Brandt; special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Evelyn Bartel; infant son Gerrit Bartel; siblings Glenn (Barbara) Bartel, Eugene (Irene) Bartel, Russell Bartel, Lorelai (LeRoy) Heuer.

A celebration of Wally's life will be held in the spring. 

Funeral arrangements for Wallace Bartel are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

FuneralAndCremationService.com