Erma Ruth (Johannes) Bartels

Erma Ruth Bartels age 95 of Grand Haven passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at a local care facility. She was born on September 6, 1924 in Grand Haven, MI to the late William and Martha (Schmidt) Johannes.

Erma graduated from Grand Haven High School and then graduated from Hackley Hospital School of Nursing. She married James C. Bartels on June 18, 1948 in Grand Haven, and he preceded her in death on February 26, 2016.

Besides being a long time RN at Hackley Hospital and North Ottawa Community Hospital, Erma worked with, and supported her husband Jim as the owners and operators of the Kinkema- Bartels Funeral Home, and later, the VanZantwick Bartels and Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven.  Jim and Erma served our communities death care needs for over 60 years.

Erma was a long time member of St. John's Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, listening to afternoon ball games, and was a big Tigers fan; always enjoying the games on TV.  She liked spending time in Southern Florida in the winter months, and traveling up North (especially to Mackinac Island) in the summer and fall. Erma was a very loving and supportive grandmother to her only granddaughter, Kimberly Bartels Rykse.

Erma will be lovingly remembered and missed by her sons, Brad (Dawn) Bartels and Scott Bartels, all of Grand Haven; granddaughter, Kim (Jason) Rykse; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Maddox, and Abram Rykse; sister-in-law, Leona Boerigter; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, James “Jim” Bartels; sister, Esther Harper; and brother, Charles Scott.

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, a private family Funeral Service will be held at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran School.

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