Emma Jean Bartels, 83, of Alton, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
She was born in Alton, on May 8, 1941, the daughter of Albert and Luella (Hunt) Schmidt. She married Wilbert Bartels on July 21, 1962, at Zion Presbyterian Church in Fosterburg, they celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Emma Jean was a homemaker and cared for her family deeply. She enjoyed her dog, Maggie, putting puzzles together, making cards for everyone, keeping in touch with family and friends, and taking care of her birds (especially hummingbirds), flowers and garden. She was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Fosterburg before becoming a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey.
She is survived by her children, Keith (Annette) Bartels, Kara Bixen, and Kathryn (Timothy) Ragsdale; grandchildren, Christopher (Abby) Bartels, Jacob Bartels, Daniel (Jayme) Bartels, Noah Ragsdale, Lukas Bixen, Emmaly Ragsdale, and Nicholas Ragsdale; and her great-grandchildren, Kennedy Bartels, Kallyn Bartels, and Lou Bartels-coming soon.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Ella Mae and Fred Lorts; a son-in-law, Robert Bixen; sisters-in-law, Verlene Schwalb, Alberta (Marvin) Ringering, Judy (Robert) Gooch, Janet Kanning, and Beverly Bivens; and a niece, Carrie Grimmer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9:30 until time of service at 11 am, at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey. Pastor Jonathan Winterfeldt will officiate. Burial will follow at Fosterburg Cemetery.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family with final wishes.
Memorials are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
