Francis Bartsch

Minot

Francis Bartsch, 93, Minot, ND, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Trinity Health, Minot, surrounded by his loving family.

Francis Anthony Bartsch was born April 28, 1931, the son of Frank and Rose (DeMara) Bartsch, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised on the family farm in Bergan, ND. He was educated in a country school east of Bergan. He then attended two years of high school in Bergan and finished the last two years of high school in Balfour, ND.

He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1952. While in the Army he drove amphibious boats at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland and he was an anti-aircraft gunner in Worms, Germany. He was honorably discharged in December 1953. On November 11, 2024, Veteran’s Day, he received the Quilt of Valor for serving his country. He was very honored and proud to receive this beautiful quilt.

Francis married Carolle Blomberg on October 25, 1958, in Drake, ND. They made their home in Minot. They were blessed with two children, Larry and Karen. Carolle passed away February 7, 2006.

He worked for Great Northern Railroad, now Burlington Northern Railroad from 1954 to 1993. Throughout his career he worked in track maintenance, Gaven Yard, the car shop, and in the office.

He was a member of the Eagle’s Club for over 65 years, Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, Minot Moose Lodge, VFW, and American Legion. He was also a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church.

Francis enjoyed spending time with his family and gardening. Most summer days he could be found outside mowing the lawn, picking weeds, and planting flowers to make his yard beautiful. He loved to stop and visit his neighbors while outside. He loved to tell stories of his childhood on the farm and days working on the railroad.

He spent the last two years at Sommerset Assisted Living where he entertained the staff and residents with his personality.

His loving family includes: children, Larry Bartsch, Bismarck, Karen (Lynn) Leifson, Minot; brothers, Melvin Bartsch, Minot, Robert (Linda) Bartsch, Minot/Arizona, Jim (Celine) Bartsch, Minot/Arizona; sisters, Betty Nissen, Minot, Regarda (Jim) Bertsch, Minot/Arizona, Gloria Goodman, Virginia, Kathy (Wendle) Blankenship, Virginia; sister-in-law, Delores (Tony) Hendrickson; brothers-in-law, Marlo (Gloria) Blomberg, David (Dorothy) Blomberg, Wally (Carol) Blomberg, Jim (Connie) Blomberg, Al (Mary) Blomberg; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 47 years, Carolle; mother-in-law, Lillian and father-in-law, Floyd Blomberg; brother, Ted Bartsch; nephews, Rick Bartsch, Keith Long, Danny Blomberg; nieces, Bridget Chisaka, Cindy Goodman; brother-in-law, Myron Nissen; infant brother-in-law, Harley Blomberg.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 22, 2025.