Gerald was born on December 18th, 1953 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Gerald was the son of Leonhard and Delsie (Tieszen) Bartel.

Ko graduated from Marion High School in 1972. He attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas from 1972 to 1977. After college he worked at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas as a programmer. In 1997 he accepted a position of full time Programmer/PC Technician at PrairieView in Newton, Kansas.

Gerald “Ko” Bartel was a Ham Radio operator serving with the Harvey County Storm Spotters through the national weather organization. He was a Life Member of The national association for Amateur Radio and The American Radio Relay League.

On Saturday, April 15, 2023 he died in his home in Newton, Kansas having attained the age of 69 years. He is survived by sister Cathryn (Stan) Kern of Shelby, IA, brother Leonhard Keith Bartel of Oklahoma City, OK; and many relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held June 10 at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS at 11:00 am with family there at 10:00 to greet guests.

In lieu of flowers the family requests Memorial gifts be made in memory of Gerald “Ko” Bartel to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), 121 30th St., N. Newton, KS 67117 or to Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), 583 Airport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543 or call 1-(717)-735-3536.