Stephen Michael Bartels

Stephen Michael Bartels was born on July 7, 1976 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, adopted by David and May Bartels in June 1978 after being their foster son since he was six months old. He passed away on December 20, 2019, at his home in Orlando, Florida.

Steve is survived by his father and mother, David and May Bartels; his sisters Mary Prince (Patrick) Ruth Poglitsh (Rudy), Becki Campbell (Greg), and Diann Hull; his brothers, John (Tonya) Bartels and Robert Custer; his fourteen nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Steve was a member of Friends Community Church. To his nephews and nieces, he wanted to be "old, mean Uncle Steve," but they had his number: he wasn't really that mean.

Steve loved cats, pizza, his family, the Lord, and his church. He liked music, particularly Elvis and the Gaither Vocal Band. He enjoyed fixing small engines. Steve didn't know a stranger. He was loud, friendly, said what he thought - often without much thinking. He was often quick to apologize. He knew the mailman or lady, the fellows picking up garbage, the teens down the street, and the man on the next block with the dog - but maybe not their names.

He had a keen eyesight, which made it easy for him to locate a tool or lost items for his parents, or evaluate a scrap file for items worth salvaging. He had an eye for color and texture that enabled him to make an area look good - when he wished to. He had quick reflexes, and no sympathy for bad driving. He took good care of his cat, Princess, and she misses him. Like a cat, Steve was lazy. Like a cat, he was also energetic, bright-eyed, and full of motion between naps.

Steve will be missed by his family, church family, and others whose lives he touched.