NICHOLAS GENE BARTELT, age 42, of Waseca, died on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. 

Nick was born on July 14, 1981, in Waseca to Douglas and Julie (Rieck) Bartelt. Nick had a wonderful childhood that began in Waseca before his family moved to Bixby. He spent many summer days and nights in Waseca with family friends where he helped with chores before having the day to ride three-wheeler, snowmobiles, or riding horses around the country side. At a young age, Nick learned how to work hard and play hard. He received his education at Blooming Prairie High School. While in high school he took college classes at Riverland Community College in Austin, studying diesel mechanics. Nick was united in marriage to Stephanie Marie Hoy on June 11, 2004 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland and together made their home in Waseca while raising three daughters. 

Immediately following his education, he began working for John Deere, first in Waseca and later at Kibble Equipment in Owatonna, which he continued for 23 years until his health no longer allowed. Although his health made it so he was unable to be at Kibble, he continued to take phone calls from coworkers and farmers to help them with any troubles they may have. Nick was dedicated to his career as a John Deere mechanic and cherished the relationships that were created with coworkers and farmers. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, farming, and spending time at his brother’s cabin. Above all else he loved his family, especially his wife and daughters. Nick was a dedicated father, whether it was just being present to watch sporting events or helping with 4-H projects. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Otisco. 

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Stephanie; daughters: Ella Arlene, Brooke Marie, and Claire Dawn all of Waseca; his practice daughter, Maddie Hoy; parents: Douglas and Julie (Rieck) Bartelt of Waseca, Lyle and Judy Kuhns and David Kuhns; siblings: Sam (Janet) Bartelt and their children: Luke and Leah; Noah (Tracy) Bartelt and Neil Bartelt all of Waseca; maternal grandmother, Ileen Rieck; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Dale and Mary Hoy of Waseca; brother-in-law, Nate Hoy and his son’s: Brantley and Parker; very special friend, Randi Eaton; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his three baby boys; maternal grandfather, Henry Rieck; paternal grandparents, James “Pa” and Helen Bartelt; paternal grandmother, Dianne Bartelt. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. 

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland. 

DSOFuneral.com