header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory

Don F. Bartschi - Class of 1953

The Idaho State Journal 05-15-2001

NOUNAN — Don Fred Bartschi, 64, well-known rancher in the Bear Lake Valley, lost his fight with cancer on Sunday, May 13, 2001, at his home in Nounan, Bear Lake, Idaho.

He was born May 25, 1936, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Ernest and Mae Aegerter Bartschi. Except for the years pursuing a degree in geology at Utah State University, where he graduated in 1959, and a brief time working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he had been a lifetime resident of Nounan.

He married Melba Crane, and the marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Don was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as a temple officiator in the Logan, Utah temple, high counselor, in the bishopric, elderÂ’s quorum president, Young MenÂ’s president, activities chairman, in the Sunday school superintendency, high priestÂ’s group leadership, Sunday school teacher, and home teacher.

He was active in the Bear Lake Soil Conservation District for many years, spearheaded the Grassman tour and annual dinner, was finance chairman for the Republican Committee, and active in the Bear Lake Water Users Association. He was employed by Central Farmers Fertilizer Co., RefChem and El Paso Chemical companies as a development geologist in Georgetown and Soda Springs.

After 15 years he returned to the farm, and was a full-time cattle rancher. Don was known for his sense of humor, hard work and love of young people. He was also an avid hunter.

Don is survived by his wife, of Nounan; five children, Jeff (Elyse) Bartschi of Montpelier, Mrs. Toni (Mel) Pearce and Erin (Holly) Bartschi, both of Buhl, Idaho, Lori Bartschi of Glendale, Arizona, and Sean Bartschi of Nounan; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. John (Helen) Trevino, Mrs. Allan (Lucille) Burke, both of San Diego, California, Mrs. Pat (Catherine) Fleming of Rupert, Idaho; and one brother, Paul Bartschi of Gridley, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Owen Bartschi.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 17, at 1 p.m. in the Georgetown LDS Chapel. Interment will be in the Montpelier Idaho Cemetery.