Elaine L. (Alber) Bartels

Elaine L. (Alber) Bartels of Blue Hill, NE passed away October 24, 2025, in Hastings, NE.  She was born on January 4,1940 in Webster County near Guide Rock, NE to Henry and Mary (Kuhn) Alber.  She was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Rosemont, NE, and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.  She graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1958.

On May 4, 1962, she was united in marriage to Donald D. Bartels at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.  They made their home on the family farm near Campbell.  To this union, 3 children were born, Tammy, Kristy, and Todd.  Elaine was a true farmer’s wife, often helping Don around the farm.  Her greatest joy was cooking and baking for her family, especially her famous cinnamon rolls; and attending all her grandchildren’s activities.  She will be greatly missed by her family.

Elaine is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Donald of Blue Hill; her children Tammy of Lincoln, Kristy (Jeff) Hadden of Gretna, and Todd (Becky) of Campbell.  Six grandchildren, Christian (Sarah) Hadden of Odenton, MD, Joshua Hadden of Omaha, Sydney Bartels of Kearney, Karah, Leah, and Caleb Bartels of Campbell.  Her sisters Iona Heath of St. Paul, NE; Mary Ann (Bob) Fish of Hastings, NE, and brother Bob Alber of Pagosa Springs, CO.  Sister-in-law Wilma L’Heureux of Blue Hill and Brother-in-law Ronald (Linda) Bartels of Inavale.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Alber, Infant twin sisters Lois and Louise Alber, Sisters LaVona Kort and Ila Mae McConkey.  Brothers-in-laws Richard McConkey, Melvin Heath, and Eugene Kort, sister-in-law Dorothy Alber.  Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Fred and Clara Bartels, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine and Donald Bierhaus, and brother-in-law Bob L’Heureux.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Rev. Glen Wurdeman officiating.  Visitation will be Monday, October 27, 2025, from 1:00-8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary.  Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Memorials can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the family for later determination.  The service will be live-streamed on Merten-Butler Mortuary’s website.  To view the service, go to Elaine’s obituary and click on the play button towards the bottom of the page.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

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