Dennis Dale Bartelt

Dennis Dale Bartelt, age 72, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, at his home in Waseca, surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on November 24, 1953, in Waseca, Minnesota, the son of James and Dianne (Bauman) Bartelt. He was raised in Waseca and attended Waseca High School, graduating with the class of 1972. Following high school, Dennis attended Brainerd Vo-Tech, where he studied landscaping and developed a lifelong appreciation for working outdoors and creating beautiful spaces.

In 1975, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Carol Jellum, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Together, they made Waseca their home and built a life centered around family, love, and community. Dennis and Carol were blessed with two children, and Dennis took great pride in raising his family and watching his children and grandchildren grow.

Dennis was a man who took great pride in his work and in everything he put his hands to. He started Bartelt Landscaping in Waseca, building the business with hard work and dedication. For a short time, he also expanded his business to include Excel Lawn Spraying. From his lot, Dennis sold Christmas trees during the holidays and offered flocking in an array of colors, bringing a little creativity and Christmas magic to families throughout the area.

Although Dennis eventually sold his landscaping location, the idea of retirement never really suited him. He continued helping others with their landscaping needs, because working with his hands and sharing his knowledge was simply part of who he was. Some of his favorite days were those spent working alongside his grandchildren. He loved teaching them, guiding them, and passing along the skills and knowledge he had gathered over the years.

When Dennis wasn't working, you could often find him enjoying one of his favorite pastimes at the casino or tending to his massive garden. His garden was a labor of love, where he grew an impressive variety of vegetables. Each week, he would gather his harvest and take it to the farmers market, where he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his hard work with others.

But perhaps nothing brought Dennis more joy than being a grandpa. He never seemed to mind when they painted his fingernails or decided it was time to give Grandpa a haircut. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, captured the playful side of Dennis and the special bond he shared with his grandchildren.

Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol; children, Brad (Crystal) Bartelt and Jill (Dave Lent) Bartelt; grandchildren, Alleyce (Derek Bakken) Huff, Maia (Noah) Flom, Andrew Bartelt, and Mariah Bartelt; siblings, Doug (Julie) Bartelt, Cindy Bartelt, and Becky (Matt Harguth) Sommers; sisters-in-law, Sherry (John) Richter, Pat (Kevin) Petersen, Joan (Greg) Dehn, and Judy (Paul) Reger; brothers-in-law, Lyle Vaughan, James Hayes, Mark (Kari) Jellum, and Mike (Rachel) Jellum, along with many nieces, nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Pam Vaughan and Lisa Hayes and his nephews, Brian Sommers and Nick Bartelt.

A visitation to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM at the Third Street Chapel of the Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral Home in Waseca, MN. Interment will be at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca, MN. Following the visitation and burial family and friends are invited to the Waseca American Legion for food and fellowship.