Albert Bartel

<p>Albert Arthur Bartel, 96</p>

| May 10, 2016 8:16 AM

Albert Bartel

96, of Libby

Albert Arthur Bartel, 96, of Libby, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016, at his home in Libby. He was born November 30, 1920, in Circle, to Ephraim R. and Emilige (Stinke) Bartel. He was the youngest son in the family of five children — John, Ewalt, Rienhar, Albert and Clara Bartel. He grew up as a boy in Circle and then his family moved to the Ronan area. Albert was a World War II Veteran of the occupation forces and was stationed in Salzburg, Austria as an MP at a POW camp. He received an honorable discharge in 1947. In 1946, while in Austria, Albert met Elizabeth Kraztina, who was from Hungary. Once he returned home from the war, he sent for her and they were married in Polson.

While living in Ronan, Albert worked as a tail sawyer. They had two sons, David and Steven, before moving to Libby. Once in Libby, Albert worked with the large band saws at the J. Neils Lumber Company, while his sons attended and graduated from Libby High School. Albert was a faithful member of Libby Christian Church and he truly loved his God, the church and the outdoors.

He loved fishing and traveling around the states and the world with Mrs. Elizabeth at his side. At the age of 72, you could still find him hiking up to Leigh Lake with his nephew and niece.

Albert always had a blessing for everyone he met (young and old), a big smile on his face and a song in his heart. “May the sunshine of God’s love brighten your path and keep you safe wherever you may go.” He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; sons David and Steven; and all his siblings.

With Albert having such a long and happy life from God, he has left behind many nieces and nephews to carry on that big Bartel smile and the love of God for all.

Services for Albert will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Libby Christian Church. Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.