Lonnie E. Bartel, 61, of Iowa City, Iowa, died May 18, 2024, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Nov. 21, 1962, to Eldon and Ethel Bartel of Hillsboro, Kan.

He attended Hillsboro schools and Hesston College in Kansas. There he met Julia Wyse, and they married in 1983. Three daughters — Linea, Hannah and Amanda — joined the family. Grandchildren Elsa and Kit Rochford added to his happiness. His family was his heart and soul and the greatest joy of his life.

He earned his AA in Aviation from Hesston College. Over his 38-year aviation career, he worked at Fisher Air in McPherson, Kan., MACAir Corp. and McPherson Flight Center, Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin and United Airlines, where he held offices and was active in the Airline Pilots Association of United Airlines.

Lonnie exuded integrity, friendliness, positivity, compassion and a sense of curiosity and held a deep desire to reflect God’s goodness for the good of all. At First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, he served on commissions, taught Sunday school, sponsored the youth group, ran the audio system and offered his talented voice to various singing groups. He supported Mennonite Central Committee locally by running the Ebay shop for Crowded Closet. He was the president of Mennonite Men USA for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife, Julia; three daughters, Linea (Nick) Rochford of Iowa City, Hannah (Alan) Randall of Eagle, Colo., and Amanda (Zeke) Gunnink of Iowa City; two grandchildren; sister-in-law Darlene Bartel of Hillsboro; brother Lynn (Fran) Bartel of Edmond, Okla.; sister Ellen (Don) Patry of BelAire, Kan.; in-laws Alice and Gene Wyse of Wayland, Iowa; and sister-in-law Jodi Wyse (Allan) Woline of Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Daryl Bartel of Hillsboro; and his brother-in-law, Curt Wyse of Mount Pleasant.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. June 16, with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. June 17, both at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City.

Donations are suggested to Mennonite Men or Crowded Closet Thrift Shop of Iowa City.