Richard George Bartel passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023 at E.W. and Lucille Cates Hospice House in Ocala, Florida.  Richard was born on July 6, 1935 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was predeceased by his father George Bartel, his mother Frieda Bartel, his sister Dorothy Hoppe and his brother-in-law Henry Hoppe.  He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1953 and served in the Michigan National Guard.  Richard was employed by Michigan Bell and retired in 1990 from AT&T as a System's Technician.  He married Mary (Mare) Catherine Chernich on June 3, 1961. They built a home in Saginaw Township where they raised their three children Jeffrey Bartel (Ann) Indian River, Michigan, Deborah Neubecker (Michael) Henderson, Nevada and Julie Najawicz, St. Simons Island, Georgia.  In 2005, Richard and Mary moved to the On Top of the World Community in Ocala, Florida where he frequently golfed and played cards with friends.  He was a former member of Peace Lutheran Church in Saginaw and also a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ocala.  Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, his children and seven grandchildren Melissa Bartel, Morgan (Ju Ma) Bartel,  Amanda (Kyle) Painter, Taylor and Allison Neubecker, Olivia and Lily Najawicz.  This past summer Richard met his only great grandchild Christina, Morgan and Ju Ma's daughter.  A private family celebration of Richard's life will be held at a later date at his beloved Burt Lake in Indian River, Michigan. The family wishes to thank Mary and Bob Bicknell for their help and support during this time. If you wish to honor Richard, you may send a memorial in his name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where Richard regularly attended.  Address 5200 SW College Road, Ocala, Florida 34474 .