Bernard A. Bartos

Bernard A. Bartos, 82, of Midland was born into eternal life on June 5, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved son, devoted husband and father, loving grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Bernie was a kind, caring, and exceptionally generous person.

Bernie was born on July 5th, 1935 in Midland. He was one of ten children, son of the late Frank and Rose (Balcirak) Bartos. He graduated from Midland High School in 1953 and from Michigan State University in 1957 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1958, he married Sharon Elaine Brink at Blessed Sacrament Church in Midland.

Bernie worked for Dow Corning Corporation for 37 years. After high school graduation, he worked summers at Dow Corning and started full-time in 1957 in the design engineering group. He was a Master Electrician and Licensed Professional Engineer and worked in numerous engineering positions and departments. He moved into management as Shop Superintendent, Manager of Plant Engineering, and retired as the Midland Site Power & Utilities Manager. He was a key contributor leading a number of projects culminating as Project Manager for the SECO wood-burning power plant heralded as the first of its kind in the chemical industry. The SECO plant was recognized with a National Award for Energy Innovation and was listed in the nation's top 10 engineering achievements in 1983 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, praised for the environmental protection and economic aspects of the facility.

Bernie was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church, and also served his community on the City of Midland Board of Electrical Examiners, Board of Education, and Citizens Advisory Board.

Bernie also enjoyed hunting and playing volleyball and golf. He built the family home and enjoyed his retirement working at "The Land" brush-hogging trails, bulldozing stumps, putting in fence posts, planting rye fields, growing blueberries, putting up deer blinds, cutting wood, and tending the fire (the larger the blaze the better). Bernie was also well known around town for his blueberry patch, sharing fresh picked blueberries with neighbors, family and friends.

He is survived by his loving children, Brent (Judi) Bartos of Midland, Bruce (Dawn) Bartos of Huntington Beach, CA, Sharla (Scott) DeFrain of Mount Pleasant and Shannon (Greg) Striebel of Midland and his eight grandchildren, Jared and Lindsey DeFrain, Noah and Matthew Bartos, and Jacob, Hannah, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Striebel.

He is also survived by his brother and sisters: Florence Bartos, Don Bartos, Margaret (Chuck) Gatza, Lucille Bartos, Katherine (Doug) Cloutier, Janet (Mark) Nisbett; brother-in-law Lee (Cathy) Brink, Jim Dryer; sister-in-law JoAnn McPeak; as well as several nieces and nephews; and great grand-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Brink) Bartos, brother Leo Bartos and sisters: Agnes Garrett and Monica Dryer, sister-in-law: Dominica Bartos and Barbara Bartos, brother-in-law: Jim Garrett and Terry McPeak.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. on Monday June 11, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Fr. Kevin Maksym will officiate with graveside burial rights in Old Calvary Cemetery. Bernie's family will receive friends at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Road Midland on Sunday from 4:00 till 7:00 p.m. and then at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A Christian Vigil service will take place at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Blessed Sacrament Church.

The family would like to thank the many family and friends, Hospice, and Right at Home caregivers for their love and support. Please share a memory of Bernie with the family at the funeral home or through our condolence page at wilson-miller.com Visitation Wilson MILLER Funeral Home

Sunday, June 10, 2018
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640
Directions Prayer Service Wilson MILLER Funeral Home

Sunday, June 10, 2018
7:00 PM
Email Details
4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640
Directions Funeral Service Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Monday, June 11, 2018
11:00 AM
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3901 Swede Ave
Midland, Michigan 48642
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