GILBERT E. BARTELL
Personal Life:
Gilbert Earl Bartell was born January 19, 1927in Cambridge Massachusetts. Gils mother died two weeks later from complications and Gil was brought to his grandparents in Litchfield Michigan by one of his aunts. Gil was raised on the farm and said that he was thankful to be on the farm during the depression or maybe they would have starved to death.
Gil graduated Litchfield High School in 1945 and enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing his tour of duty, Gil returned to Hillsdale County and started work building farm silos. Eventually Gil went to work for John Deer in Jonesville where he spent 35 years.
Gilbert married Alyce in 1951 and they had 3 children, Mark, Fred and Susan. Gil was remarried in 1981 to Molly who passed in 2015.
Gil has several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gil said that throughout his life he loved fishing, hunting and choir.
Military Life:
Gilbert enlisted in the Navy on a delayed entry program at the age of 17. After turning 18 and graduating Litchfield High School, Gill was assigned to the cruiser USS Little Rock. Gil said the USS Little Rock was on its way to Japan when they stopped at the Panama Canal. While there Gil ran into his brother who was also in the Navy. Gil said this was the highlight of his deployment, getting to meet his brother at the Panama Canal.
Gil also said that he remembered this crazy on-board ship event when one crossed the equator. He said he remembers the part about being dunked in a big tank of water and he couldnt swim.
Community and Service Organizations:
Hillsdale County Veteran of the Year
American Legion Post 195 Commander
Jonesville Fire Department past member
Lions Club
Kiwanis Club
Village President Jonesville Michigan
Presbyterian Church