Kent L. Bartl
February 17, 1938 ~ April 2, 2016
Kent L. Bartl, 78, Kindred, North Dakota, died in his home on Saturday, April 2, 2016, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by family. Kent was born February 17, 1938, at Forman, North Dakota, to Frank and Margaret (McFarland) Bartl of rural Stirum, North Dakota. He was raised on a farm near Stirum and attended the Stirum Public School.
At the age of 17, Kent entered the United States Army and received his basic and advanced military training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In early 1956, along with his assigned company, he sailed for Gelnhausen, Germany, where they were combined to form the 3rd Armored Division. In July, 1957, upon the completion of his active tour of duty, Kent returned home where he began working for the North Dakota Department of Highways. Kent was involved in many road and bridge construction projects including the construction of Interstate 94, Interstate 29, the tri-level bridge in Fargo and every bridge between Hillsboro and the South Dakota border. After his retirement from the North Dakota Department of Transportation in 1997, Kent continued his career traveling to various states working on road projects for a private company based in Rogers, Minnesota and Anaheim, California. In 2003, Kent spent his last year in road construction working for an engineering company in West Fargo.
In 1962, Kent married Mardell Smith at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Lisbon, North Dakota. They spent their first five years of marriage living in Oklahoma City before moving to Kindred, North Dakota in 1968 where they raised their four daughters.
Kent will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 53 years, Mardell; daughters, Lorie (Chad) Kortgard, Becky (John) Flaa, Angie Hochhalter (friend Chad Gunter) and Vikki (Ryan) Nielsen; nine grandchildren, Alex and Josh Kortgard, Travor and Teddy Flaa, Dustin and Ashley Hochhalter, Megan, Emma and Jack Nielsen; one great- granddaughter, Mirra Lynae Rand. He is also survived by many special family members and friends whom he loved dearly. Kent was lovingly welcomed into eternity by his parents, father and mother in-law Earl and Elizabeth Smith, brother Elwood, sisters Marlys and Betty, and several dear relatives that held a special place in his heart. Kent’s greatest pride was his family. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Mardell, Bartl girls and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Kent. Grateful to know his legacy of love and family that continues through each of you. My thoughts and prayers and hugs go out to each of you during this difficult time. Carrie
We are deeply sorry and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We will miss his genuine smiles . He always had a kind and caring look and we are and were happy to know Kent in our lifetime.
Knew Kent years ago, sad to hear he passed away.
Mardell and family, I am truly saddened at your loss. You have many beautiful reminders of your years together with Kent in your beautiful family which you two raised to be caring, kind, compassionate and considerate. May God cradle you in the palms of his hands.
We lived two doors down from Kent and Mardell from 1998 to 2004. Had many nice visits with Kent “across the fence”. Will always be remembered as a kind and decent man. We are keeping you in our prayers! God Bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Vikki and family as you remembered this special man. May your memories sustain you and bring you comfort. God bless your family.
David and Mary Lynn
My condolences to Mardell and the girls/families. I know you have great memories of Kent. Kathy & I liked him and I feel that the world is a better place for having him inhabiting it with us all.
Mardell and family-I was saddened to hear of Kent’s passing. As you know, we went back a lot of years. He was always one of the good guys. My deepest Sympathies…………………
Rest in Peace Kent….all of my sympathy to the family. I will be thinking of you always.
Joan Perhus
Kent was quite a character as I remember from my days in high school spending time with Becky and the rest of the Bartl girls. Their house was a favorite for many of us after cheerleading practice for a snack. We were always welcome and the kindness of this family is evident. Kent often had something to comment on and I remember his sly smile that made him look like he was up to something….You are in my prayers as you move through your time of grieving. May his memories bring you great joy and laughter.
Kim
We were so sorry tohear that Kent had passed away. We are still in Arizona so cannot be there on Friday but know that you all have our deepest sympathy.
Kent was such a kind and generous man! He will be missed by all of us. His journey here has ended but he will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and his many friends.
Hoping many happy memories console you during this difficult time.With sympathy~
Lorie and family, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one, Kent. What a beautiful smile he had. He will be your guardian angel, watching over all of you. Look for little signs and you will know he is there. Hold the memories close to your heart, as they will always be there. Love and hugs to all.
SORRY TO HERE ABOUT KENTS DEATH, WE WERE NEIGHBORS FOR YEARS ABOUT A HALF MILE APART BACK ON THE FARM. HE WAS A GREAT GUY
Thoughts and prayers to Mardell, the girls and their families during this very difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family during this difficult transition in your lives. May memories comfort you and bring you smiles to your faces and joy to your hearts!
Sorry to hear of Kent’s passing.
He was a fine person and great
to work with. My sympathy is
extended to all of his family.