Gerald Paul Bartle

Known as “Jerry” to all who knew him and “dad” by me, passed away in his sleep on June 19th from complications of diabetes and leukemia.

Even Superman needs a DAD. To teach him right from wrong, To be a friend and confidant And help from struggles long.

Looking back on his past and elaborate storytelling, there is a certain ‘spirit’ that is passed down to his family and friends that reflects the type of person he was. He was born May 22, 1937, in Glendale, Oregon, and the eldest son of Paul Bartle and Madeline Comstock. In his early years, he had a difficult and challenging childhood such as losing his eye sight in his right eye at the age of 5, losing his father at the early age of 8, living in a wood shed throughout his family’s hardships and living the life as a woodsman. He was an expert making the best of difficult situations. He would adjust, refocus and continue forward. “You learn by your mistakes” is another life lesson pasted down to us. These hardships and abilities to readjust led to rewards and self-identity that carved the foundation of my father’s beliefs of strong family core values, hard work, dedication, self-worth and perseverance. A quote that constantly echoes in my ears ever since his own father pasted away at an early age was to “Make my father proud of the things I’ve done.”

A good measure of “making his father proud” is by reflecting upon what he had done to make his own family, children, friends and acquaintances proud. As we sit here together recollecting and reflecting on our fathers past, here is a brief recollection of his life experiences and lessons. • His teenage years filled with triumphs, accomplishments and perseverance included his dedication to baseball and football plus his elaborate stories of friendship and childhood sweethearts. • Joined the Navy in 1955, became a true American Patriot and learned respect, honor, and integrity. • He married Maxine Carolyn Knosp in 1960, in the DALLES, OREGON. • Raised four sons, Paul, Parry, Phil and Loren Patrick. • He worked as a Traveling Insurance Agent and a butcher but always made it a point to be a part of his children’s lives. • Divorced Maxine in 1986, and Married Donna Parks in 1987. • Raised two daughters, Jeri Lynn and Kimberly. • Divorced in 2013, and did not get remarried. • Moved to Layton, Utah to be close to family • Devoted his later life to Genealogy, family history, and Temple work. He looked forward to the Brotherly and sisterly acts of kindness from those volunteers inside the Ogden Temple.

Life quotes. These quotes echo throughout our lifetime are the lessons my father has embarked on us. Life lessons such as • “There are ten two letters to live by. If it is to be it is up to me • “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” • “If it is to be, it is up to me.” • “Those with the courage to act, find their horizons unlimited”

His greatest passion was athletics, performing as an individual, and then watching his children excel in sports, activities and personal achievements. Early 1970s have played fast pitch Softball during the All LDS All Sports tournament. His passion of sports carried over to his four young sons. He taught them to Never Give up. He praised all his children, and spoke often of them.

“I loved the church, it has been my leaning post through the years, and met many wonder friends. “ As a faithful convert of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, he was strongly devoted to the gospel, loved to be in service of others, and aspired to the whispering of the spirit. He served as a Seventy, Stake Missionary, Sports director, Temple worker, High Priest Group Leadership.

Gerald is survived by his sons, Paul, Parry, Phil and Loren Patrick, and two daughters, Jeri Lynn, and Kimberly. He has seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26 at 12 noon in the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. in Malad, Idaho. Friends may visit with the family on Friday morning from 11:00-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery

“I did the best I could, no obscene language, no beating, no mistreatments, no misconduct of any kind. Just a plain old country boy, enjoying music, dancing, singing, and trying to be the best father I could be and the best husband I could be. I loved, I laughed, I cried, I stumbled and I fell down a couple of times, but I got up and went on”