Bernard F. Bartusiak

Bernard Francis Thomas Bartusiak, 85, of Emily, MN and Pharr, TX, joined his Heavenly Father and was reunited with his precious daughter, Donna, on Sunday, August 25th, 2019, surrounded by his family while at home at Ruth Lake in Emily, MN. Bernie was born in Chicago, IL on May 23rd, 1934 to Lillianne and Joseph Bartusiak.  His parents owned a confectionary store in Chicago and he spent his younger years helping with the store.  He attended elementary school at St. Peter Paul in Chicago, IL before attending and graduating high school from St. Rita in Chicago. His career of working in the truck industry began when was 11 years old unloading cabbages from the back of delivery trucks. When he was 15 years old he began driving for the Signal Delivery truck company.  When he was 19 he served in the United States Army for 2 years before returning to his career at Signal Delivery where he was quickly promoted from supervisor to manager.  He excelled in his career and worked for Signal Delivery until he retired.  After he retired in 1989 he and his wife Margie bought the Town Tavern in Ironton, MN and owned it for 5 years. He met the love of his life, Marguerite Onate (Margie), in 1953 and told her on their first date he was going to marry her.  They were united in marriage in Chicago, IL at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church.  They made their home in Chicago and had 4 children together.  In 1970 they bought their lake property on Ruth Lake in Emily, MN.  They spent every Summer together at the lake and had many family and friends who would visit through the years.  Bernie retired in 1989 and they moved to Emily full time.  In 2005 they decided to become snow birds and bought their home in Pharr, TX.  They loved spending time in their community with their many friends and being able to enjoy the Texas weather while still being able to come back to Emily in the Summer months.  As Bernie fought his battle with cancer, his primary concern was making sure Margie would be taken care of.  They celebrated 63 years of marriage this June. Bernie was a man who would openly discuss his life choices and the lessons he learned from them.  He was deeply expressive, open, and made certain that those he loved the most knew and felt his love.  He was an avid fisherman, loved playing cards, and was always up for anything that included spending time with his family. 

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Margie, and their three children, Elizabeth (Lenny) Deshayes of Cushing, MN, Joseph (Bernadette) Bartusiak of Dayton, MN and Cathleen (Ross) Donkers of Wamego, KS; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and his brother Dan of Chicago, IL.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lillianne Bartusiak; his daughter, Donna Bartusiak; and his brother, Joe Bartusiak.

A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2019 at St. Emily’s Catholic Church in Emily. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.  Military honors will be presented by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443 of Ironton.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.