Richard A. Bartella

Richard “Rick” Bartella, 64, of Motley, formerly of Pequot Lakes/Nisswa, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023, at Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples. 

A Memorial Service for Rick will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Nelson – Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.  Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services.  Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa.  A luncheon will follow at Roundhouse Brewery. A second Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Ten-Hi in Motley.  Additional details will be posted at www.nelson-doran.com when available.

Rick was born September 29, 1958, in Bertha, the son of Vernon and Mayme (Hultgren) Bartella.  After graduating from high school, Rick began an almost 30-year career working at Graphic Packaging (formerly Minnesota Automation).  He met the love of his life, Michelle “Shelley” Koep at Pelican Beach and the two enjoyed many happy years dancing to Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. They were blessed with two children – Nichole and Matt.  Rick loved being a dad especially when coaching was involved.  Rick was active in softball and appreciated being able to share his love of sports with his children and Shelley (even if they couldn’t sit by each other on the bleachers).  He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time being “Papa B” to his five grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Nichole (Cory) Heinen and Matt (Jenny) Bartella; grandchildren, Marley, Faye, Jaxon, Adonis, and Ameilia; siblings, Judy Thorsett and Pat (Dwayne) Jensen; and many extended family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Shelley; parents; and sister, Bonnie Olander.

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