Service: A Celebration of Life will be held at The Globe at 301 North Broadway, Hartington NE on Saturday, November 1, beginning with a short prayer service at 5:00 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, Fred requested that donations can be made to the Holy Trinity School (in Memory of Fred Bartling) in appreciation of the dedicated teachers.
Fred Bartling, age 76, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, surrounded by his family at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Fred was born on March 4, 1949, in Canton, SD, to Gordon and Betty (Mitchell) Bartling. He grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in 1967. Fred went on to attend SDSU in Brookings, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specialization in Plant Pathology. It was there that his lifelong love for gardening began. While in college, Fred worked as a police officer, and it was during that time that he met his wife, Diane, who was studying to become a nurse.
On September 1, 1973, Fred married Diane Baack at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, MN. The couple first made their home in Canton before moving to Hull, Iowa, where Fred attended Power Lineman School in Sheldon. After graduation, Fred began his career with Nebraska Public Power District, first working in Hartington, NE.
In 1977, Fred accepted a transfer to Hay Springs, NE, where he and Diane settled, raised their children—Michelle and Chris—and became deeply rooted in the community. He served as Mayor, sat on the School Board, volunteered with the Hay Springs Fire Department for more than 25 years, and also served as Ambulance Chief. Fred believed in giving back and was always willing to lend his time and talents in the community.
Fred was always up for learning something new. Over the years, he took photography and welding classes, tried his hand at playing guitar and piano (though he’d be the first to admit that music wasn’t his strongest suit), and even gave disco dancing a whirl during the 1970s. He also discovered a deep passion for the outdoors and scuba diving, becoming a certified search and rescue diver.
A man of many interests, Fred loved to fish, hunt, shoot, tinker, and build things. He always had a project in progress. Every summer, he tended a large garden. When his children, Michelle and Chris, were little he grew a pumpkin so large that two kindergartners could fit inside it!
After retiring from NPPD, Fred and Diane moved to an acreage near Irene, SD, to be closer to family. Fred kept busy driving for the Yankton Transit System and feeding his cows. In retirement, Fred’s love for learning evolved into the role of teaching. He was always eager to share his knowledge—especially with his grandchildren—whether it was about scuba diving, the outdoors, or one of his many projects. He enjoyed attending area high school basketball games, going to gun shows with friends and neighbors, and spending time outdoors.
Fred was also known for his love of black Labs—as long as anyone could remember, there was always a loyal black lab by his side.
Fred is survived by his children, Michelle (Josh) Dowling (grandchildren Addison, Sam) and Chris (Alissa) Bartling (grandchildren Halle, Garret, and Corbyn); brothers, Doug (Julie) Bartling and Tim (Vonda) Bartling; sister, Linda (Richard) Hill; along with his nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and his black lab, Hank.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; father, Gordon Bartling; mother, Betty Long; and step-father, Maurice Long.
Fred cherished the simple joys in life: good friends, a well-told story, and time spent with those he loved. His lessons, and his laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Globe in Hartington on Saturday, November 1, beginning with a short prayer service at 5:00 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, Fred requested that donations can be made to the Holy Trinity School (in Memory of Fred Bartling) in appreciation of the dedicated teachers.
OH ;I AM SO SORRY TO SEE THIS. PRAYERS FOR ALL OF HIS FAMILY FOR COMFORT IN THEIR GREAT LOSS.
We are so sorry to hear about Fred! He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him! We will continue to pray for all of his family to find comfort and peace.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you all
This news makes my heart hurt. Fred was someone that I have admired most of my life. He was not just my boss driver to school but he always had the ear to listen and showed he cared.
Linda and Tim, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. 🙏
Cherish. your memories.
Fly high Fred!
You will be missed my friend!
Doug, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I hope you have some fun memories that you can look back on and smile. Take care.
Chris with my prayers brother I’m holding you up in prayer
Growing up in Canton, I remember my brother’s friend, Fred. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He certainly had a full and caring life. My condolences to the family, especially to my classmate Linda.
Dear family of Fred. I graduated with Fred from Canton. Despite not keeping in touch over the years, I extend my deepest sympathy to his loved ones. After reading his obituary, the world has lost a most special man. Take care.
Linda, so sorry for your loss of Fred. He was always so respectable to people and treated others so nice. He will be missed by anyone who knew him. Hug for you.
Linda, so sorry for your loss of your brother, Fred. I had a lot of respect for him. He will be missed by many. Hug for you.
Linda, so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Fred. I had a lot of respect for him. He will be missed by many. Hug for you.
Sympathy and prayers for family. Sorry to hear this news – Fred has always been a friend. Fred thanks for being you Rest in peace 🙏🏻
Linda, sorry for the loss of your brother. Alway had a lot of respect for him. You take care. Hug foy you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I went to Canton High with Fred and played football with him (and he was our Homecoming King!). I only saw him occasionally at re-unions in recent years. He was always there to help any of his classmates.