Bart Herman Bartels

Bart Bartels, age 73, of Adrian, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of Hospice of Lenawee. Born on June 19, 1951, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Rudy and Lucy Bartels, Bart lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Bart began his teaching career in Manchester, teaching 6th grade. It was there, while teaching and coaching, that he met the love of his life, Trudi (Allshouse), who was student-teaching at the same school. This marked the beginning of their lifelong partnership, and they married on June 18, 1976. Bart later taught in Britton-Macon and Adrian, where he transitioned from classroom educator to Reading Specialist after earning his Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University. Known to many as, “Coach Bartels,” Bart Bartels began his coaching career at Manchester, leading both Varsity football and basketball teams, but his legacy was built in Lenawee County, coaching Varsity basketball at Britton, Clinton, and Adrian. Over his remarkable career, Bartels amassed nearly 700 wins, secured multiple Tri-County Conference championships, and became one of the winningest coaches in boys and girls basketball in league history. Bart Bartels began his coaching career with the Manchester boys basketball team, leading them from 1974-75 through 1984-85. In 1985, he became head coach of the Britton girls basketball team, where he quickly built a powerhouse program. Under his leadership, the Britton Tories won league titles in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001, along with district championships in 1986, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. A special highlight during his career was coaching all 5 of his children. His oldest daughter, Mellissa Wilson (Bartels), played for him from 1996 to 1999 before going on to play basketball at Concordia University, Ann Arbor. His son, Brian Bartels, played for him from 2002 to 2005, as well as his daughter-in-law, Kasey Bartels (Albaugh), who is married to Brian. This was followed by his youngest daughter, Kristi Cummings (Bartels), who played from 2005 to 2007. During his time coaching the Adrian boys varsity team, Bart also had the opportunity to coach his second-youngest son, Brett Bartels. His influence extended beyond high school basketball, as Bart found time to assistant-coach at St. Stephens Lutheran School from 2014-15, allowing him to coach his youngest of five children, Jordan Bartels. The 4 oldest siblings all had the privilege of running point, executing their dad’s carefully crafted plays and his renowned "Blue Press" on the court, then discussing and reflecting on the game together at the kitchen table later that night. Bartels also led the Britton boys varsity team from 1987 to 2004-05, earning a District Championship in 1991-92 with a 17-6 record and league titles in 1998, 1999, and 2000. During the “off-season,” Bart enjoyed time at Devil’s Lake, taking pontoon rides, enjoying a good book under the awning, or enjoying a brewski and a boat ride with his brother-in-law, Tim Allshouse. He and Trudi cherished their trips to Florida, simply watching the waves and taking a break from all of the “X’s and “O’s” of coaching and teaching. For the past 7 years, Bart coached at Tecumseh alongside one of his former Britton-Macon standout players, Kristy Zajac (Maska). Together, they achieved a 109-43 record, capturing 2 district titles, an SEC League Championship, and a Regional Championship—the first in 49 years. Bart was a pivotal figure in Tecumseh’s success, known for his dedication, commitment, and the daily jokes that brighten everyone’s day. Bart Bartels’ influence reached far beyond basketball. He lived by his mantra, “God. Family. Basketball,” always stressing that God came first. His faith and values were central to how he coached, creating a positive environment that shaped his players both on and off the court, with many of his athletes becoming coaches and educators, carrying forward the lessons he instilled. As former player Mindy Jordan (Bush) shared, “I’ll never forget the life lessons and basketball knowledge I gained from him. His impact goes further than he or anyone will ever know." Kristy Zajac (Maska) added, “His passion for the game was infectious, and every team he coached felt his impact. Bart’s leadership and heart made us all better, both on and off the field." Bart is survived by his beloved wife, Trudi Bartels (Allshouse), and their five children: Mellissa Wilson and her husband Ben Wilson, Brian Bartels and his wife Kasey Bartels, Kristi Cummings (Bartels) and her husband Clint Cummings, Dr. Brett Bartels and his wife Rebecca Bartels, and his youngest son, Jordan Bartels. His loving family also includes the twinkle in his eyes, his cherished grandchildren: Beckett (12) and Sloane Wilson (3), Everett Bartels (9), Harper Bartels (9), Tinley Cummings (9), and Elle Cummings (6). Bart's legacy of love, faith, and leadership will continue to shine through his family and all those whose lives he touched. He is survived by sisters, Claire Dodge, Joella Lamont, Peggy (Mike) Kapuscinski; sister-in-Law Terri Bartels; brother-in-law Tim (Susan) Allshouse and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Rudy Bartels, brothers-in-law, Lance Dodge and Tom Lamont. Visitation for Bart will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.at St. Stephens Lutheran Church with Pastor Brian Keller officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the Tecumseh Girls Basketball Program. https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZIJECPI5O0Q2EZ_ZZ64FF44D42SGAF Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com. Please visit Bart's tribute wall to use the QR code when making a donation to the Tecumseh Girls Basketball Program.

Bart Herman Bartels

June 19, 1951 - September 25, 2024