Lynn Francis "Bart" Bartunek

April 08, 1953 - July 13, 2022

Lynn Francis "Bart" Bartunek

April 08, 1953 - July 13, 2022

Obituary

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.

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: August 17, 2022 (11:30 AM)
  • Venue: Tahoma National Cemetery
  • Location: 18600 SE 249th Street Kent, WA 98042 - (Get Directions)

Air Force Assistance Fund

No Gallery Photos

5 responses to Lynn Francis "Bart" Bartunek

  1. Lori and I were high school classmates of Lynn’s. I was also with him for the eight years preceding that at St Joseph’s grade school. We are saddened to hear of his passing; our condolences to you and the family. The last time we saw him he was giving an uninvited impromptu motorcycle safety and security lesson to a random motorcycle on Portage Street in SSM – no rider, just the bike. Bart was never very bashful or reticent. So sorry for your loss. He is well thought of and will be well remembered. One of the good guys…

  2. Bart was a gifted and diligent co-worker of mine and had a remarkably uncomplicated view of life. He was decent and honest in everything and that is something deeply lacking in appreciation these days. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t note that NOTHING else in life mattered as much to him as his Carolyn. He adored you, Carolyn. While I cannot imagine your loss, I hope you are daily comforted that few have been loved as much as Bart loved you.

    Sincerely,
    Laurie Churchill

  3. I bought my first bike from Bart over 20 years ago when he was an instructor. I took the class without a bike of my own and when he offered to sell me a 1999 Suzuki Intruder that didn’t fit him and only a couple of years old, I jumped at the chance. He said it would be a great bike for me and he was right. My kids and wife rode on adventures with me and I sold it after putting over 50,000 miles on it to a young kid who is probably still riding it today. Fast forward to today and my oldest daughter is now a motorcycle safety instructor in Bellingham! Bart’s motorcycle legacy was far reaching through multiple generations and he was truly an inspiration to thousands.

    1. Thank you so much Jack for sharing you’re story. Bart was just such a special person. We both were so lucky. I just looked at this today, so my apology for being so late. It’s truly hard moving along without him, but somehow I hope and pray it will get easier. Bart and I spent so much time on the motorcycles. We both loved it. Congratulations to your daughter. It’s not easy to be an instructor. Once again thank you for writing.
      Carolyn Bartunek

  4. Anna Martin says:

    Just found out that Bart passed on. He was such a dear human being. I was so thankful that you two found each other. He felt like the happiest man on earth when he met you in the UK. Thank you, Carolyn, for being lovely to our friend Bart. God bless you and keep you.

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