Dorothy K. (Kettunen) Bartels

Dorothy K. Bartels    (nee: Kettunen)

Rochester

Passed away on Friday, June 21, 2019.  Dorothy was born at home to the late Hannes and Hilma "Hyytianen" Kettunen on Sunday, May 29, 1927 in Buffalo, NY.  She was married to the late Rev. William H. Bartels for 44 years until his death in 2002.  Dorothy was predeceased by her siblings Anna Julia Franke, John David Kettunen, Esther Viola Kettunen and her identical twin, Helen Kettunen.  She is survived by her four children, David Timothy (Peggy) Bartels, Deborah Marie (Phillip) Beiderbecke, Sharon Priscilla Stone, and Mark Jonathan Bartels; four grandchildren, Timothy (Stephanie), Audrey, Lane and Samantha; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Ellie Rose; extended family and friends.

Dorothy was an avid swimmer during her high school years and continued to enjoy the water throughout her life.  During WWII, Dorothy volunteered with the Red Cross and the Civil Defense. The Lutheran Church was central to Dorothy’s life. She dedicated herself to the Lord’s work by supporting the church’s international missions and joyfully taking on the many roles of a busy pastor’s wife.  Dorothy loved working with children, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Confirmation Classes. She often became a trusted confidante of the children. Dorothy was an accomplished seamstress, creating her children’s clothes, elaborate Halloween costumes, and most importantly, inspirational banners to beautify church sanctuaries.  Other interests included tending her beautiful, much-admired roses and preparing delicious food for her loved ones, especially her mouth-watering, chocolate chip cookies.  To the very end, Dorothy was the embodiment of the Finnish characteristic of Sisu (stoic determination and perseverance).

Family and Friends are invited to gather for memorial service to celebrate Dorothy's life, on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, 153 Church Ave., Farmington (Pumpkin Hook), NY 14425.  A private interment service will take place at the Elm Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Buffalo, NY, where Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband, William.  Expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, may be made in the form of a donation in memory of Dorothy to St. John's Lutheran Church or Lutheran World Relief.  To light a candle, send a condolence, or upload a photo, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

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