Evangeline Diann Bartel, 86, of Grand Forks and formerly of Munich, ND passed away December 10, 2011 at Woodside Village, Grand Forks.
Evangeline, often known as Vange or Vangie, was born on October 12, 1925 to John P. and Mary (Duerksen) Spenst in rural Moscow Township west of Langdon. She attended elementary school at Moscow #3. Opportunities for high school were limited, but Vange was determined to get as much education as possible. In 1944, she graduated from Bethany Bible Training School in Munich, ND. She graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, NE with a teaching certificate in 1947 while at the same time completing high school via correspondence courses from American School, Chicago, IL. She was awarded her high school diploma in 1948 after already having a college diploma. She then attended Mayville State Teacher’s College and later taught in one-room schools in Moscow and Waterloo townships for 5 years.
Evangeline married Alvin Bartel on June 3, 1954 at the Swiss Mennonite Church in Alsen, ND where they were active members for many years. Evangeline and Alvin farmed in the Alsen/Munich area until they retired in 1987. They enjoyed volunteering for many projects at FaHoCha Bible Camp and Child Evangelism Fellowship’s Camp Good News. Cooking for large groups of hungry young campers were summer highlights. In 1991, Alvin and Vange moved to Langdon. In 2002, Evangeline moved to Grand Forks.
While a student at Grace, Evangeline was voted Class Poet. She continued to use that talent as friends and family often requested personalized poetic pieces for their special occasions. Having had a lifelong but unrealized dream of learning to play the piano, she made sure each of her children had musical opportunities. Evangeline was also an avid gardener, taking special delight in any berry and fruit crops the harsh ND climate allowed. Cooking and baking brought much pleasure, the results of which she generously shared with family and the community.
Evangeline will be deeply missed by her children: Susan (Keith) Gronhovd of New Hope, MN, Lee (Joy) Bartel of Owasso, OK, Tim (Twyla) Bartel of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren: John and Philip Gronhovd, Carah and Caleb Bartel, and Matthew and Jonathan Bartel; brother: Earl Spenst of Devils Lake; sisters-in-law: Marion Bartel of Langdon and Adeline Anderson of Madelia, MN; brother-in-law: Luverne (Betty) Bartel of Pine River, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Alvin Bartel, brother Richard Spenst, and infant grandson Joshua Bartel.
A memorial/funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, January 7, 2012 at Swiss Mennonite Church, Alsen, ND.
Memorial gifts suggested to:
Child Evangelism Fellowship
P.O. Box 13834
Grand Forks, ND 58208-3834
OR
FaHoCha Bible Camp
8799 21st Street Northeast
Warwick, ND 58381-9519
