Steven Bartelma, 81, of McGrath, Minnesota, passed away April 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in McGrath, Minnesota, to Walter and Bernice Bartelma on August 23, 1942. He grew up in McGrath with his brother on their small family farm. He attended McGrath High School (class of 1960), where he developed lifelong friendships.

He attended business school for several months, and then joined The United States Army in August 1964. He was stationed in France. When he came home from France, he started dating Betty, and they were married on April 20th, 1968. Steve and Betty went on to have four daughters: Stacey, Kimberly, Stephanie, and Britnie.

Steve worked in construction his whole life. He worked for several companies as a heavy equipment operator and logger. He then owned his own business constructing custom made log homes and doing dirt work where he enjoyed using his construction equipment. He was also a volunteer firefighter, served on the McGrath 4th of July committee, and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Steve was a proud father and grandfather always talking about the accomplishments of his family. He was quick-witted and loved to make others laugh. His favorite pastime was visiting with friends and family. He loved antique vehicles, airplanes, hunting, construction equipment, snowmobiling, helping others, and traveling.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bernice; and his infant sister, Bernice Bartelma.

Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; his daughters, Stacey (Joel), Kimberly (Christopher), Stephanie (Aaron), and Britnie (Ryan); his grandchildren, Cole (Brianna), Myia, Gavin, Peyton, Natalie, Owen, Lucy, Anna, and Zac; his siblings, Donald (Lynelle); numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giese with Pastor Richard Langhorst officiating. The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. one hour before the funeral service. Pallbearers are Cole Schuessler, Gavin Fitch, Owen Perrine, Joel Schuessler, Chris Fitch, Aaron Perrine, and Ryan Krueger. Military Honors will be provided by the Mora American Legion.  Burial will be at Pliny Cemetery in Pliny Township following the service.