John Gilbert Bartel, 96, Columbia, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on July 3, 1930, in St. Louis, a son of Gilbert and Flora (Kosark) Bartel who resided in Owensville.
He graduated from Clayton High School in 1947. John earned his bachelor’s degree from the Missouri School of Mines (now Missouri S&T) in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic engineering. In 1985, John was awarded a Professional Ceramic Engineer degree from Missouri S&T.
Soon after graduating from college, John was drafted into the U. S. Marine Corps in 1952 where he completed his training in San Diego, Calif. After graduation he was assigned to the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C. where he served as a Presidential Guard assigned to the White House staff.
John was a devoted husband and father. He was united in marriage to Nancy (Chadbourne) on May 18, 1952. They had two children, Richard and Catherine. He was immensely proud of each of them in all their activities and contributions through their life’s work.
During his lifetime, John was General Works Manager at HK Porter and president/owner of CERCON Inc; Chairman, Board of Directors, Financial Paradigm, Inc; Order of the Golden Shillelagh; Fellow award American Ceramic Society; National Institute of Ceramic Engineers; Mayor of Hermann; Bi-Centennial Constitutional Commission; President and Secretary Hermann Lions Club; President, Showboat Theater Board; Treasure, Tourism Committee; Hermann Chamber of Commerce; President, Wurstfest Committee; Hermann Maifest Council; served on the Highway 19 Missouri River Bridge Transportation Corporation; Tau Kappa Epsilon; and Director, MSM-UMR Alumni Association.
He was preceded in death by parents Gilbert and Flora; brother, Jay Bartel; and daughter, Catherine Elsenraat.
John is survived by wife, Nancy; sister, Joann Morton of St Louis; son, Richard and wife Sarah Bartel of Ashland; grandchildren, Jeffrey and wife Christina Elsenraat of Republic and Jennifer and husband Tony Herzog of Bloomsdale; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
John will be forever missed by his family and friends. The fields in Heaven will have rows as straight as an arrow and will be harvested with love.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann, with Pastor Andy Wilson officiating.
A private family burial was held at St. Marcus Cemetery near Rhineland.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Paul UCC or the cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann.
