J. Michael "Mike" Bartels

On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, J. Michael “Mike” Bartels died peacefully with his wife of 60 years by his side. Mike married Judy Schoenrock on August 20, 1960 and together they raised five children. Mike was a proud graduate of Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee and of St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN. He started his career with the Borroughs Computer Corporation and moved on to the Manpower Corporation. While at Manpower, he took the opportunity to purchase MBTI Business Training Institute in 1976, which he owned and operated until 1993. Mike was a very important part of the downtown business scene, owning four buildings on Plankinton Avenue and was a vital contributor to the development of the River Walk on the west side of the Milwaukee River. Besides being a successful businessman, Mike’s true passion was family. Nothing gave him more joy than being around his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. It was the simple things, such as “pool days”, where one by one family members showed up and spent an afternoon by the pool engaged in conversation, card playing, lots of laughter and his never-ending quest to mix the perfect margarita! Mike was also very civic minded and was heavily involved in the cities of Greendale and Franklin, serving on various boards and commissions and playing an important role of the development in the Franklin Business Park. He and Judy were also a very active couple and supported numerous charities and organizations throughout their time together. They passed along these life lessons to their kids and grandkids, who continue to pay it forward to this day. Some of the things that made Mike the happiest besides spending time with family and friends, included “race weekends”, watching Packer games, playing cribbage and sheepshead, using his “system” to beat blackjack dealers and enjoying a beer or two. Mike was a tremendous role model and leader and will be missed by the many lives he touched. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Helen, and is survived by his wife Judy, children Michael “Mitch” (Lyndell), Joan Farrell (Richard), Steven (Laura), David (Megan) and Jeffrey. Also survived by grandchildren Justin, Zachary, Patrick Farrell, Jessica, Benjamin, TJ, Daniel and Kathryn. He was fortunate to also be a proud great grandpa to Walker and Mirabelle. Mike is further survived by brothers Charles (Teresa) and Robert (Margarita) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations are very much appreciated to the Franklin Police K9 Unit (www.franklinwi.gov/Departments/Police.htm) or to the “Light the Hoan” project (www.lightthehoan.com). Also, please feel free to enjoy a “friendship drink” (a shot of Crown Royal) in his memory! A celebration of Mike’s life will held on Thursday May 20, 2021 from 4 until 7:30 pm at the Max A. Sass & Sons Mission Hills Chapel. Private interment Oak Knoll Cemetery.