Steven “Steve” Bartle went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 1, 2025. Born to Robert and Mary Bartle on May 2, 1958, in Sherman Oaks, California, Steve’s life was a testament to his faith and dedication to serving others. He was a beacon of light and love to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion to his family and community.
Steve’s journey in faith led him to Bob Jones University, where he earned a Master in Pastoral Studies and a Masters of Divinity. His education became the foundation for a life of ministry, which he pursued with unwavering passion. On July 23, 1983, Steve married the love of his life, Laurie Barton. Their union was blessed with two children, Jonathan and Rebecca, who brought immense joy to Steve’s life. In 2009, Steve and Laurie’s hearts guided them to adopt three more children, Nathaniel, MaryAnn, and Benjamin, completing the family circle lovingly known as the “Bartle Bunch.”
For 22 years, Steve ministered in several towns, touching lives in Allerton, Albia, Lockridge, and Ottumwa in Iowa, and Hagerstown in Maryland. His sermons were filled with a deep love for the Lord and a passion for guiding others to salvation. Steve also served his community as a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Leader in Lockridge, where he mentored young individuals with the same fervor and commitment he brought to his ministry.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Bartle, and his brother-in-law and sister, Stanley and Patricia Browning, his spirit is carried on by his beloved wife, Laurie, and his children, Jonathan (Miranda) Bartle, Rebecca Bartle (aka. Finley Wedge), Nathaniel Bartle, MaryAnn Bartle, and Benjamin Bartle. He also leaves behind two brothers, Robert (Gwen) Bartle and Klint Bartle.
A Funeral service to honor the life of Steve will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation an hour prior to the service, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Following the service, Steve will be laid to rest in Lambirth Cemetery near Lockridge, where his memory will be cherished by all who visit. In Steven’s honor a Memorial Scholarship for an aspiring nursing student will be established and contributions may be left funeral home or mailed to the family at 601 East Pierce Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences and view the livestream of the service at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
