BARTLETT, Roger 1944-2020

BARTLETT, SINNARD

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 6/1/2020 at 17:49:00

Roger Bartlett

Died: May 26, 2020

Biography

Roger Bartlett was born in Redwing Minnesota on August 5, 1944. He lived in Ellsworth Wisconsin from birth until graduation from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in 1967 with a BA in fine arts and an emphasis in secondary education. Upon graduation, he moved to Waterloo Iowa where he took an art teaching position with the Waterloo Community Schools. Roger continued his education while teaching and in 1974 he received a masters degree in studio art from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Roger taught 44 years with the Waterloo school system initially at Kittrell Elementary and the last 25 at Expo high school. Walking miles each day to school allowed for exercise and time to think. He had a very sharp mind, read daily, and was always working with his hands as a studio artist.

He wrote, “I would be most pleased if the work draws us from the created to the Creator of all things.”

His most recent show was in 2017 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts titled “Gestures of Respect” which reflected the human form expressing a depth of intellectual, emotional and spiritual drama. He appreciated those that helped make it possible to exhibit works which embodied his professional career. Roger explored various media including drawing, painting, printmaking, woodworking and sculpture but preferred the simplest tool, the pencil. He captured a range of subjects recognizing ... “to be a true master, as in a master craftsman, one must learn humility. Serving the work is the responsibility of the true master.” Roger Bartlett’s work can be found in private and public collections in the Midwest and across the country. It is his wish that his renderings continue to be viewed and reflected on after he is gone.

In 1968 he married to his wife Susan Sinnard of Waterloo at his hometown church in Ellsworth Wisconsin. They enjoyed life together raising two children and spending time with their grandchildren. Along the way he shared his love of food with them making buttermilk pancakes and sausage often before anyone else had risen. Fresh raspberries, whipped topping, and walnuts topped a family favorite. His other culinary specialties caramel pecan rolls, tacos, chili, and freshly made bread were all something to look forward to. Roger had many family adventures along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Roger and Susan found new places to discover in Door County, Wisconsin. A very special and obedient family dog was always by their side, ready to explore northeastern Iowa’s back roads. Together Roger and Susan shared an appreciation of life, beauty and love.

In high school Roger was accomplished in both basketball and football. Although he received a scholarship to play football at Dartmouth College, he felt it was too far away from his home. He took great pleasure in letting an arrow fly from the string of his recurved bow or throwing knife into a piece of wood. He loved to sing with his brother Roy in church and for his family. He also played the acoustic guitar and piano. He read British mysteries, the classics and the writings of many theologians. Roger kept journals reflecting on these influential authors often tying in Biblical passages in his notes. He created a sculptured garden which he enjoyed with others.

Roger cherished his friends and loved them deeply. He often made people smile with his wit and humor. Dailey Bible devotion and prayer was part of his life.

Recognizing God’s sovereignty in all things the initials SDG ( Soli Deo Gloria) became part of his title line on all his later works.

Sometimes one is faced with an unexpected journey in life. After being diagnosed with acute leukemia he wrote this very human poem:

Have you noticed morning light sparkles?

In contrast evening light is muted.

It is evening now.

He was thankful for the doctors and staff at the Waterloo Community Cancer center on Fourth Street, the Allen Memorial Infusion Center, and that the Mayo Clinic and Methodist Hospital in Rochester. He said without leukemia their paths would not have crossed and his life enriched so greatly. Roger was grateful to have lived eight years after his diagnosis.

He is survived by his wife Susan of Waterloo; son, Jason (Karin) Bartlett of Northfield, Minnesota and their children Peter and Ian; daughter, Ellen (Micheal) Kamholz of Antioch, Illinois and their children Ayden and Aubry; sister-in-law Shirley (John) Bartlett Burkhalter and nieces Sonja, Carolyn, Julie; niece Holly daughter of Joy; brother and sister-in-law Mark (Joan) Sinnard and nephew Aaron and nieces Sara and Abby; sister and brother-in-law Lorraine (Brad) Sinnard Townsend.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents Warren and Bessie Bartlett; brother Roy Bartlett; father-and-mother-in-law Royal and Greta Sinnard; sister-and-brother-in-law Joy (Richard) Sinnard Ede.

Roger encouraged people and his wisdom, love and presence will be missed.

Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

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Services:
A family service will take place with interment at the Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, Waterloo Iowa. A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.

Cemetery:
Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Hospice House, or the Cedar Bend Humane Society. Donations of blood would be appreciated as this was so vital to Rogers recovery and longevity with his illness

SOURCE: Locke Funeral Service