Obituary of Michael C. Bartlett

“ I made it home Pilgrim” Michael C. “Mike” Bartlett, age 66 lifelong resident of Solon died from injuries received in a car accident on Monday, November 8, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 10am Monday, November 15, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon, with burial to follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Solon. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the church concluding with a parish rosary at 6pm. Mike was born on November 28, 1954 in Iowa City, IA to James and Audrey (Beuter) Bartlett. Mike had a typical boyhood growing up on the family farm east of Solon. He excelled in sports at Solon High School and after graduating, attended Central College to play baseball. He was united in marriage to Mary Wille on June 3, 1977; a union that would produce two sons, Andrew and Seth. Mike would spend the rest of his life devoted to his faith, family, farming and friends. He was a devout Catholic and he truly loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, strength and mind. He worked at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City for 35 years. Throughout that time, he helped hundreds of families prepare a final resting place for their loved ones. To him, his job was not a job, it was a spiritual act of worship. He performed his duties compassionately with a lowly and humble spirit. Jesus tells us in Mark 25:40, that “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” We were all drawn to Mike Bartlett. He brought out the best in everyone he knew and left the same mark on all of us. This impact was rooted in his deep-seeded faith. Throughout his life, Mike had a knack for cultivating. He cultivated the land, cultivated relationships, and cultivated the Word of God to provide him guidance. He looked to the past through passions such as family history and scripture to sew the seeds of faith and friendship into those he loved. Mike asked for little and gave much. The legacy Mike leaves behind is one to celebrate, admire, and forever remember. For completing his faithful duty on earth, the harvest Mike now reaps is the glory of Heaven. He leaves this heritage to his surviving sons Andrew (Trisha) and Seth (Joanna) Bartlett; grandchildren Caleb, Jeremiah, Emmett, Anna, Eva, Lucy Belle and Selah Bartlett; mother Audrey Bartlett; brother Dan (Diana) Bartlett; sisters Jeanne (Joe) Hanes, Sherri Bartlett and Sara (Steve) Kurt; 4 nieces, 3 nephews; and former wife Mary Bartlett. He was preceded in death by his father James, twin brothers James and John, and nephew Bill. In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family would invite you to write a handwritten note sharing your memories of Mike with them. Mike appreciated notes and this would be a way to cherish your words with Mike’s grandchildren as they grow up. Notes may be sent to: Memories of Mike, 5060 180th St. NE, Solon, IA 52333