Sylvia L Bartz

Sylvia Lenore Bartz (nee Stenberg) has gone to live with Jesus. Sylvia passed away at Hales Corners Care Center on September 22, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Milwaukee, WI on August 12, 1936. Devoted mother of daughters Gail Bartz (Danny) Levin and Valerie Joanne (Mark) Peterson. Loving grandmother of Christian Alexsander Peterson and Michelle Lenore (Christopher) Gates. Dear companion of Tommy W. Bowe.

Pre-deceased by husband Elmer Oscar Bartz after 50 years of marriage; parents Olav and Estelle Stenberg (nee Zdradzinski); sister Joanne Pollack (nee Stenberg); niece Debra Phillips (nee Pollack); and nephews Roger Dean and Les Pollack.

Sylvia was a beautiful, strong, and graceful woman who was particularly proud of her Norwegian descent from her father who immigrated to the United States at age 18. Like her father, she was smart, clever and innovative; thus, the affectionate nickname “Sly.” Sylvia was a true matriarch and role model, loyal to her family and lifelong friends. Since graduating in 1954, Sylvia enjoyed the monthly Girls Club that she started with her high school friends. She was compassionate and attentive to the needs of people around her and went above and beyond to make others feel loved and important, especially her beloved grandchildren and their friends who all called her Grinny. Her smile was contagious, and she was able to find the good in anything.

Sylvia was always ahead of her time and conscientious about her health. She participated in yoga and Tai Chi before they were popular. She ate almonds, chia seeds, bran, and flax seeds before they were deemed health foods. She wore faux fur before the animal rights movement came into existence.

Back in the day, Sylvia excelled at the 3 C’s--cooking, cleaning, and crafting. Her baking was outstanding, and she was part of a gourmet club for numerous years. Other talents included sewing and knitting, along with rug hooking and Norwegian rosemaling. Sylvia enjoyed watching mysteries and British television shows, particularly All Creatures Great and Small. She loved to read and was especially fond of the At Home in Mitford series, as were her daughters. Sylvia was an avid Scrabble player. She and her family started playing online Scrabble during Covid in 2020, and she was still playing Scrabble with her family (and won!) the week before she passed. The game of Dominoes was reserved for special dates with her dear companion.

Sylvia was also a career woman. At the age of 75, Sylvia finally retired from a position she both loved and was proud of: Senior Administrative Assistant for the Radiology Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In addition to being a dedicated and hard worker, Sylvia was young at heart and an advocate of lifelong learning. She took a college class in communication skills, received an "A" and a comment from the teacher on her talent for writing. Sylvia often wrote poems for family members commemorating special occasions, including her very last poem entitled “I’m Going Away." Her poetry also expressed her love for animals and birds. She was always interested in what the family tortoise and dogs were up to. Sylvia loved to tell the story of how she and Elmer rehabilitated the family dog, Samantha, who lived until age 18 after having a stroke.

Sylvia’s favorite place to visit was The Rushes in Door County, WI. Elmer would make great steaks on the grill while the girls would craft, swim, and work on puzzles. A family favorite was going to see a heartwarming play like Lumberjacks in Love or Men on Ice in the outdoor Northern Sky Theatre. Since 1983, the whole family has vacationed together annually at The Rushes. This legacy will continue in honor of Sylvia and Elmer.

Sylvia’s family expresses their sincerest gratitude to the deeply caring and attentive staff at Hales Corners Care Center and Moments Hospice. Their guidance was essential for Sylvia’s comfort and wellbeing, as well as our own, during this very difficult period in our lives. We are forever grateful.

Please join us for a Celebration of Sylvia’s Life on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Redeemer Evangelical Free Church located at 7735 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53220. Visitation will be 11 a.m. Noon followed by a memorial service and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider an offering to Redeemer Evangelical Free Church or a donation to the American Heart Association or Fisher House Wisconsin.

I'm Going Away...

I'm going away but don't you fret.

I'm going to a better place yet.

I'm going away, I'll miss you so.

But l'm going where I want to go.

I'm going away but don't despair.

Lean upon His loving care.

I'm going away, I know not when.

But this I know, I'll see you again.

My Lord has gone to prepare a place.

I long to see His loving face.

I mourn for you; I'm the lucky one.

I go to meet the heavenly Son.

Love always,.

Mom and Grinny 0O's and XX's.