Thomas F. Bartel

Thomas (Tom) Frederick Bartel, age 61, Madison, passed away on November 26, 2010, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born in Manitowoc, WI on December 5, 1948, the first child of the late Alois and Elverna (Behnke) Bartel. He was a 1967 graduate of Valders High School, Valders, Wisconsin and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin -- Madison in 1972. Tom earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration from UW-Madison in 1988.

Tom's entire professional career was dedicated to the electric power industry. Tom held electrical engineering positions at Commonwealth Edison Company in Chicago, Wisconsin Power & Light Company in Madison, and Steinmetz Corporation in Madison.

The majority of Tom's professional career was spent as a consultant and a member of the executive team at Power System Engineering in Madison. He held the positions of Manager of Engineering Services, Vice President of Engineering Services, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2005 Tom transferred to part-time as Senior Consultant, which was his current position. Tom was well liked and respected by both co-workers and clients. He was known for his up-beat personality, friendly smile, years of wisdom, and generous mentorship.

Tom was also a current instructor for UW-Madison, teaching courses in substation design and project management across the United States. Tom was a registered professional engineer and held memberships in several engineering organizations.

On August 27, 1983, Tom married the love of his life, Loretta (Loret) M. Thill. They enjoyed 27 years together and liked to travel and spend time at their Florida home in North Fort Myers. Tom was an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan.

Tom is survived by his wife, Loret; one brother, Tim (Anne) Bartel, Whitefish Bay; five sisters, Betty (Terry) Weiland, Menasha; Nancy (Randy) Meyer, Kaukauna; Cindy (future husband Bill Heffernan), Green Bay; Debby (Tom) Umnus, Appleton; and Peggy Bartel (Jeff Menos), Slinger; and brother-in-law William R. Thill, Milwaukee. Additional survivors include nieces and nephews Melissa Weiland, Trisha Weiland and future husband Kyle Everson, Kevin (Kristy) Meyer, Carrie (Shaun) Buntjer, Amy and Paul Umnus, and Joey and Kyle Bartel; and one great nephew and one great niece, Eric and Vallarie Meyer. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Tom will be held Monday, November 29, from 4 until 7 pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison; and Tuesday, November 30 from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established at the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics.