William Arnold Bartelt

William Arnold Bartelt, age 79 of Swan Point, Maryland passed peacefully December 19, 2021 surrounded by family. Bill was born March 6, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Arnold E. Bartelt and Charlotte A. Bartelt, who both preceded him. Bill graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1960 and St. Louis University in 1964. He met his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen Schroeder Bartelt, while both were students at St. Louis University. He is survived by his wife Ellen; daughter, Becky A. Bartelt of Chesapeake, Maryland; son, Michael W. Bartelt; and three grandchildren, Max, Ben, and Emma Bartelt of Cary, North Carolina. After completing Officer Candidate School at Ft. Lee, Virginia in 1965, Bill was commissioned and assigned to The Defense Atomic Support Agency. Upon leaving active duty in January 1970, Bill began a 30-year career with the US Army. As Director of Business Programs, Bill was responsible for the worldwide operation of all Army business activities. He was credited with creating many innovative programs that provided quality recreational opportunities for soldiers and their families. During his career, he received numerous military and business awards and special recognitions. He was most proud of his induction into the International Military Community Executives Association Hall of Fame in May of 1990. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Order of the White Plume which is the highest Department of the Army Award for service to soldiers and families. Upon his retirement in 2001, the PGA honored him with a special award to recognize his contributions to military golf. Golf was his passion and the time spent on the golf course during his retirement years with friends and family members were most enjoyable. He played the game for over 60 years, winning multiple club championships. He once laughingly remarked that he hoped the last words he ever heard would be “FORE.” Bill and Ellen were able to enjoy over 19 years of retirement together and they traveled extensively sharing many travel experiences with long-time friends and family members. Hawaii was their destination of choice, making multiple trips. Bill was also involved in Charles County youth sports activities. In 1981 he was instrumental in starting the La Plata Blue Knight Youth Football Program. The program is still active after 40 years and is a county institution. Bill was blessed with a unique sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved to entertain friends with stories of life experiences always embellished for just the right humorous effect. Friends always looked forward to his annual irreverent Christmas letters that generally dealt with the trials and tribulations of dealing with pending old age. Visitation will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church (Issue), 15848 Rock Point Road, Newburg, Maryland 20664 at 9:30AM on Saturday, January 22, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM. Inurnment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is encouraged.

William Arnold Bartelt

March 6, 1942 - December 19, 2021