Vernon C. Bartels

POTOSI – Vernon C. Bartels, age 90, of Potosi, died Monday, March 16, 2026. Vernon was born March 31, 1935, to Robert and Lauretta (McKelvey) Bartels. He married Julia Dalen on July 11, 1964. She preceded him in death on September 15, 1975.

Vernon was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 4, 1958. He was stationed in Germany. Vernon was honorably discharged on March 29, 1960. He was an active member of the Potosi Legion and VFW. After the Army, Vernon was a U.S. mail carrier for several years before returning to the family farm where he continued the family legacy built by his parents and grandparents.

Vernon met Rita Amore in 1976 and have had the longest running engagement of nearly 50 years. Vernon enjoyed to frequent many local “establishments” where he was always ready to play a game or two of euchre and good to buy a round. He also enjoyed bowling and to play golf. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his long-time companion, Rita Amore; his three sons: Dennis, Dan, and Scott (Mandy), all of Potosi; as well as Rita’s children: Tim (Missy) Amore of Platteville and Tammy (Rick) Steiner of Dodgeville; along with 11 grandchildren: Julia and Bryce (Hayley) Bartels, Robert, Jacob (Callie), and Laura Bartels, Timmy (Jen), Tara (Brandon), Tabby and Tadd Amore, and Chris (Amanda) and Brandon Steiner; in addition to 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, David (Betty) Bartels; along with sisters-in-law: Ruthie Kerkenbush and Joan Bartels.

Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Julia; his parents, Robert and Lauretta; siblings: Doris (Walter) Keene and Ronald Bartels; a nephew, Alan Bartels; a niece, Patsy Heberlein; and a great-niece, Haley Leffler.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes and Crematory in Lancaster. Burial with Military Honors will take place at British Hollow Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may gather on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory of Lancaster is assisting the family.