Obituary: Bartol, John W.
He married Wanna Lee Lael in 1944 and they had seven children: George (deceased 2004), Diane, Deborah, Christopher (Deceased 1982), Denise and Mark (deceased 1982).
Jack’s early employment history was diverse, ranging from the Kendrick Mercantile to a rock quarry, the Bureau of Reclamation on the Columbia River, logging and farming.
In 1957 the family relocated from Northport to Spokane and Jack worked for various beverage producers.
His later jobs prior to retirement in 1993 included 15 years as a sales representative for Hamm’s Brewery, then Regional Manager for Molson Brewery USA, both of which entailed multi-state travel across the Pacific Northwest.
Jack and Wanna Lee greatly enjoyed travel, both international and domestic, including extensive European travel-most notably a trip to visit Jack’s extended family in San Giorgio, Italy.
Their children lived in several corners of the U.S. and enjoyed Mom and Dad’s frequent visits to Alaska, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.
We’ll always remember the day Dad caught the 40 lb king salmon on the Kenai River, though how it kept growing from that day to the 80 lbs it became remains a mystery.
Jack continued to enjoy travel, golf and bridge with lifetime friends into his 80’s when his health began to limit his activities.
Jack will be remembered by his children as a loving parent who provided for them well and taught us that family is the source of true joy.
He was gifted with the ability to make all those he met laugh and enjoy themselves, and his children’s best memories are of Dad’s showing them how to find the fun in both small and important family events.
John and Wanna Lee were committed to their children’s Catholic education and proud of their accomplishments, including the military service of George, Denise and Christopher.
Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Donald, of Yakima; sons Mark, Christopher and George; granddaughter Sara Ann Kelly and nephew Craig Bartol.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wanna Lee Bartol; daughters Diane (Larry) Cook, Deborah (Allen) Graff, Denise Bledsoe, and Jacquie (Rod) Shearer; daughter-in-law Sue Bartol of Pensacola, FL; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grand- children, niece Cyndy Bartol Chuta of Bellevue and nephew Don Bartol Erickson, of Spokane.
Jack was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Assumption Parrish.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Morning Star Ranch, Box 8087, Spokane, WA 99203-0087, or Assumption Parrish, 3624 W. Indian Trail Rd., Spokane, WA 99208.
A Rosary will be held at Assumption Parish, 3624 W. Indian Trail Rd.
on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 7:00PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 10:00AM at Assumption Parish.