John Francis "Jack" Bartek

Our beloved dad, Jack Bartek, passed away peacefully on January 26th at home in his sleep, which is a true blessing. He is now reunited in heaven with his wife and soulmate, Dee (Elliott) Bartek, his son Joe, brother Tom, brother-in-law Don Elliott, parents Methodious and Phyllis, and many of his friends from Holy Family Parish where they worshiped for many years. He is lovingly remembered by his children John (Mary), Maggie (Marty McCaslin), Cece (Glenn Miller), Dan (Aaron Carnell), and Tom (Deanna). In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother Matt (Pauline), sister Phyllis Montello and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

We celebrated his 89th birthday two Sundays ago and he was looking forward to many more family gatherings. Turns out, he had better plans with Mom. 

Jack served in the Navy for two years on the USS Iowa and then worked 43 years as a proud union printer. While raising his children, Dad went to college where he earned a BA in English from UNO, making an everlasting impression on his children about the value of education and, more importantly, showing them how to overcome life’s challenging times. 

Dad loved fishing, golfing, nature, playing spirited Bridge games, and enjoying Sunday family dinners. He volunteered for many years for Rebuilding Together and with St. John’s Parish Partners on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Our parents gave us a wonderful childhood. They raised us with love, faith, respect for others, and an appreciation for family, social justice, hard work, laughter, friendship, and fun. 

We are heartbroken and will miss him dearly, but know his legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren Elizabeth, Katherine, Madeline, John, Joe, Clarice, Margaret, Evelyn, MaryRose, Josephine and Gabriel, and great granddaughter Haley. 

Funeral services include a visitation on Friday, January 31 from 5:00-7:00 pm at John A. Gentleman Mortuary at 1010 N 72 St, with the wake service starting at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Church, Creighton University campus, 2500 California Plaza, at 10:30 on Saturday, February 1. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Family Dee Bartek Center, 1715 Izard Street, Omaha NE 68102.