Lynn Francis "Bart" Bartunek

My wonderful husband Lynn Francis Bartunek known as Bart passed away at the age of sixty-nine. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in April 9,1953 and passed away on July 13, 2022. Bart passed from Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s. Upon moving here after retiring from the USAF Bart worked as a paralegal for the Prosecuting Attorney, a Claim Rep. for State Farm Insurance, a paralegal for the Shropshire Law Firm and the Skagit Indian Tribe before retiring. Bart taught many students over his thirty years as a Motorcycle Safety Instructor. He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Frances Bartunek. Preceded in death was brother’s-in-law Harry Alkema & Sam Alkema, and sister’s-in-law Linda Alkema, Jackie Carlyle, and Rose Alkema. Bart is survived by Carolyn Bartunek, his wife of 34 years, children: Ariane Denham, Andrew Denham (Julia), and Paul Bartunek (Lani); brothers: Randy Bartunek (Karen) & Michael Bartunek (Claudia Hassler); granddaughter; Sofia Denham & Luna Denham; niece Lauri Bartunek & nephew Chris Bartunek; great niece Jenny Brown, great nephew Justin Brown and Quinn his great-great niece; sister’s-in-law Kathy Alkema & Sandy Alkema, and numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews in the Alkema and Gessaroli family. Bart had many nick names throughout his life. In his fun filled childhood days he often got his family to share their things with him, so much he ended up with his first nickname, “Bummer.” Bart luckily went through school from first grade thru high school with many of the same people for the entire 12 years. His family coined his first nickname which was Bummer, but in high school he was also known as “Big Muther” for his presence on the football field. In roll call in Air Force Boot Camp on his first drill sergeant call out, the Sergeant decided then and there that the name Lynn was out, and “Sergeant Bart” was in! While we were dating Bart had to go to Maxwell Base and while there wrote me as Jim Redwillion (one of his favorite cowboys from an old movie) wanting to be incognito for awhile. “Bart the Barber” was popular too. He had his barber pole outside his dorm room. He could keep his fellow Air Men regulation ready with his at the ready clippers! He also was “Bartman” to many and had saved many, many folks lives through his thirty years as a Motorcycle Safety Instructor. He also was a mentor to many of his fellow instructors. Bart or “Bossy” as he was called on the snow slopes was a fabulous skier and enjoyed many memorable weekends skiing with friends at Whistler courtesy of their wonderful condo. Bart loved swimming and his favorite beach was Bellows AFS, Oahu Hawaii. “Buddy Bart” and Bill found the mother-load of golf balls in those waters. As instructed Bart’s ashes will be taken and spread out in the turquoise waters in front of the cabins. It’s going to be difficult moving forward without this quiet, capable, intelligent, and kind man in my life. I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories. Bart’s funeral will be on Wednesday, August 17th at 1130am at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 249th St. Kent, WA 98042. Arrive no later than 15 minutes before the service. A few days after the service, you can view a video recording of the funeral at molesfarewelltributes.com. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund at afassistancefund.org.

Lynn Francis "Bart" Bartunek

April 8, 1953 - July 13, 2022