Blanche Barthles' Obituary
Blanche Mae Barthels
Blanche Mae Barthels, (nee McCarthy) 85, a resident of Oshkosh, WI, passed away on March 7, 2016, in Mesa, Arizona.
She was born in Oshkosh on June 13, 1930 to Russell and Ethel (Sanborn) McCarthy. She had a younger brother, Floyd, (Buddy) who preceded her in death. She was raised in Oshkosh and graduated from Oshkosh high school in 1948. At the age of 14, she started a job as a receptionist to help support her family. In 1951, she was united in marriage to Kenneth John Barthels (Tuffy). Oshkosh was their primary residence, but they lived briefly in Menomonie Falls, WI. For many years, Blanche and Tuffy were snowbirds; spending their winters in Mesa, AZ.
After her youngest child was in school, Blanche went back to work at Galow Metal Products in accounting and office management. Blanche’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends; playing cards, Yahtzee, bingo, shopping and going to rummage sales. Blanche and Tuffy loved fishing, golfing, and dancing together. Friday nights were spent dining and playing cards with a favorite couple, Betty and Art. Blanche was a devoted Catholic who prayed the Rosary daily. Blanche was long-time member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church (St Peter’s site.) Blanche was a very generous, caring mother and grandmother.
Blanche is survived by her children, Lynn Capone, Jeff Barthels (Connie), James Barthels (Mary Kay Rathe); grandchildren, Kellee Capone, Pasquale Capone, Jr., Jeremy Barthels (Amy), Jennifer Spittel (Jay Beaudry), Julia Elsinger (Ryan), Stephany Barthels, Brody Plantenberg (Lindsey), Alex Rathe, Haley Rathe; great grandchildren Davonte, Sophia, Austin, Abby, Tyler, Lucy, William, Bryson, Ava, Bella, Ivy; son in law Donn Pascoe, and wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth and daughter, SueAnn Pascoe.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Oshkosh at Most Blessed Sacrament (St. Peter’s site) on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the mass starting at 11:00 am. Blanche will be interned at Calvary Cemetery following the mass. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to Blanche’s favorite charity; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
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