Ishpeming, MI - Richard (Rich) John Bartanen passed away on December 2 ^nd , 2021, after an inspiring and courageous battle with Glioblastoma. He was born on August 10, 1957, as the youngest of six children born to Robert Emil and Ruth Lillian (Lammi) Bartanen.

A hard-working man from the start, Rich began helping out his family at Bartanen's Autobody as a boy. He later worked at Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company from 1978-81 and in 1982, began a long and successful career with A. Lindberg & Sons. Rich retired from full-time work in 2014 but continued to work part-time until he was diagnosed with cancer. He truly loved what he did and the numerous colleagues and friends he made along the way.

Rich met and married the love of his life, Robin (Lawry) Bartanen in 1987. A man of family and faith, he enjoyed spending his time with Robin and his daughters. Much time was spent in their RV traveling to drag races and visiting family in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Labor Days were reserved for the annual Bartanen Camporee. Rich loved attending his daughters' and more recently his grandsons' academic and sporting activities. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, woodworking, and going to camp. Rich was a long-time member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities including Elder, Council President, Elder Chairman, Adopt-a-Highway organizer, and Board member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod North Wisconsin District.

Rich is survived by: His wife Robin, daughters Elizabeth Dodge and Emily (Scott) Poirier, and grandsons Brandon and Brogan Dodge; his friend and former wife, Celeste Prusi and her sons Andrew, Abram, and Kobe; his siblings Bruce (Carole), Linda (Mike) Bonetti, Charlie, Stephen (Lynn) and Sally Healey; and his many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Merry and his "Best Man" and fellow drag racing enthusiast, Steve Arseneault.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:30am – 12:30pm on Friday, December 10, 2021, at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp. Funeral services will follow at 12:30pm on Friday with Rev. DJ Thomsen officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Rich's family is profoundly appreciative of the tremendous end-of-life care provided by South Shore Family Practice, UP Health System – Neurosurgery and Cancer Center, UP Home Health and Hospice, and the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.

Memorials may be directed to Christ the King Lutheran Church of Ishpeming, 440 Stoneville Rd., Ishpeming, MI 49849 or Cancer Care of Marquette County, PO Box 626, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or at cancercaremqt.com

In Rich's honor, please consider participating in or donating to the annual Hope Starts Here Challenge in support of the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.

Rich's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friend may leave a note of remembrance.