John Robert Bartels, 89, of Illiopolis, died on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur.

Robert was born on August 8, 1930, in Latham, IL. the son of Logan and Lucille (Ervin) Bartels. He married Rosemary Thompson on March 23, 1955.

Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He was a retired farmer and a member of the Illiopolis Christian Church. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending summers on the lake in Minnesota.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; two daughters, Debra (Dan) Lochbaum and Donna (Allen) McKenzie; one son, Michael Bartels; five grandchildren; Jessica Gipson, Jill Park, Jared Lochbaum, Jennifer Gaul and Brian McKenzie; seven great-grandchildren, Karson, Devin and Dylan Park, Danielle and Elizabeth Lochbaum, Madison Gipson and Jason Gaul; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at the Illiopolis Christian Church with Reverend Melissa Ebken officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. at Mound Cemetery in Cowden, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Illiopolis Christian Church.