WE were so shocked to hear of your sudden loss of our beloved Mike. I knew him from St Joseph Cemetary. He helped me and my Mother, Julia Miltner for many years decorate our graves out of the kindness of his heart. We offered to pay, but he would not accept for himself, but paid it forward with our donations. A truly spirited, gifted, kind and gentle soul. He will be remembered fondly, and forever. Amen. Many blessings in his honor. Mary, Bruce Schwab and family.

Dan and Jeanne and the Bartlett family.

I am very sorry to hear about the lose of your brother.

I will pray for peace for your family.

Tom Lynch

Ijamsville Md.

To the Bartlett family: Please know how much Mike meant to so many people. It saddened me greatly to learn of his tragic passing, but reminded me of how much I enjoyed his company. Mike made me feel important and valued. We could talk about any subject, whether it was our jobs, our faith, our families, or the Hawkeyes, without disagreements or arguments. Mike was truly one of the nicest guys I've ever known. We valued each other's opinion and I grieve his loss. Bless his memory. Bless his soul.

Many years ago Mike, Joe and I played on the same softball team. He wasn't only an exceptional athlete, Mike was an outstanding person that was liked by teammates and foes alike. Mostly quiet, he had a quiet confidence about him that was obvious to everyone - and also an exceptional teammate. I am glad that I got to know Mike and remember fondly those days from long ago. We haven't connected since those days but he is a person that you never forget. A life taken too soon. Our sincere condolences to Jeanne, Joe and the rest of Mike's family.

Nancy & Larry Suchomel

Dear Bartlett Family,

So very sorry for your great loss. Your loved one served the community in such a special way as he prepared the final resting places in the cemetery. What a special person to be able to do this job. What a great impact on so many… a life well lived.

Blessings to all of you. He is now with our dear Lord.

Celeste and Dave Vincent

The loss of Mike is a very hard one for myself and many others. This man truly knew the meaning of

being of the word friend. He was so kind, thoughtful and always had that smile. It’s been years since

I have been back to Iowa, I always could pickup the phone and he was available with a kind word, a helping

hand. We have all lost a good one. To his family and grandchildren you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike's obituary truly reflects the essence and spirit of his life He was a faithfilled and humble friend to those who were blessed to know him. May you, his family, find peace and comfort in your memories of Mike.

He was such a good soul. Taken way too early. I met him as I lived on Dodge Street Court. He was a man you could laugh with and have serious talks too. He helped people when he could and always with respect. A friend you always thought you'd run into someday and catch up. So sorry. The world lost a bright light...

Teresa and Clif Young

Mike Bartlett and I were born the same year, and went to Solon Schools together. We started kindergarten together, and graduated together. We were both farm boys, me growing up south of town, Mike east of town. We played together at each other's places as kids. When we were around 14, he came over with his minibike to race on my go-cart track. Mike did well in school, and was always at or near the top of the class, whereas I was always closer to the middle. In our high school years, Mike had athletic skills, I did not, so we ran with different crowds. We graduated, Class of '73. Decades passed. We rarely ran into each other, although I did get to chat with him a little about 8 years ago. I always had a lot of respect for Mike, he was a good guy. I'm sure sorry to hear of his passing.

I had a lot of firsts in Iowa. A lot of which were on Bartlett farms. First time I ever fished. First time I ever fired a gun. First time I climbed a cylo. Mike was always so welcoming and genuine. No matter how much time had gone by whenever I saw him it was like catching up with a good friend. He always made me feel like family and I will be forever grateful for that. The world won't shine as bright without him. However, the stamp he left on this world will never be forgotten.

Mike was a great friend and classmate of mine (K-12) He always had that sweet smile and was ready to help anyone. I thought so much of Mike, that I asked him to be the Alter Boy at our wedding, way back in 1972. Mike was on our Spartan Varsity Basketball team that narrowly lost the final game to became State Champs in 1973. There are many of us who are grieving at the loss of this great guy. Deepest sympathies to Mike's family..

Written by Connie Doyle Tompkins and Rick.

Memories are way too many to select, however; we logged many miles whether river bottom or the Rocky Mountains therefore I knew the real man and he was a good man! Rest In Peace Pilgrim until we meet again. And no matter what I will never eat Lucky Charms with Ranch dressing for good luck, ever.

To the family of Mike Bartlett,

Please accept my sincere sympathy at this time. I knew Mike from meeting him at St. Joseph Cemetery a couple of years ago. Always pleasant, joking, and helpful.

He will be missed.

Jane Zwiener

To the entire family, words can not express how sad we were to learn about Mike. Our family has so many fond memories from the deer cooks after hunting, swimming at moose head, playing cards or telling jokes with my dad (Herm) down at the feed store. He use to tell me when we would swim to watch my toes because the snapping turtles would grab onto them and pull me down. I believed him for a while. He was a kind person who would go out of his way to help his family, friends and anyone he met. We are truly sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. Pam Stritesky

My sincere condolences to Mike’s family I met him through my grand dad Oscar Graham. They were good buddies for years watching football and playing cards at the Hilltop and many other shenanigans. He was a great guy! I always appreciated him looking out for Oscar. One of my fondest memories is that even after Oscar passed, Mike always made sure he had a winning Euchre hand laid on his headstone. Mike was surely one of the good ones!