Shirley Ann Bartel, age 89, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. She was born November 6, 1929 in East Orange, NJ to George and Edna Danenhour.

Shirley grew up in Mountainside, NJ, the middle of three sisters. She attended Wheaton College and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Elementary Education.  It was at Wheaton College that she met Robert Bartel and they were married in Millburn Baptist Church in 1953. Their marriage would be one that was full of traveling adventure, care and love for others, and deep Christian commitment.

As a young couple they lived in suburban New York City, primarily in Nyack, NY.  While in Nyack, Shirley owned and managed Hudson Hill Nursery for Children. She also used her organizational talents to run the logistics for Hudson House, which was a retreat center for InterVarsity. Planning and overseeing making meals for dozens of people came naturally to her.

When Bob and Shirley moved to Wheaton, IL with their three children (Steve, Sarah, and Tim) in 1970, Shirley accepted a first grade teaching position at Sandburg Elementary School (1970-1980).  During their time at Wheaton, Shirley was a gracious hostess. She and Bob had a love of entertaining and gathering friends. Together they were active at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Wheaton.

While at Wheaton, Bob founded the International Study Program (ISP). This 10-week overseas summer study program would always have Shirley's mark on it.  She was the behind the scenes calendar keeper, the logistics planner, the confidante to many a college-aged woman, and the planner of fun for 35-50 students each summer.  This program is now carried on through Messiah College in PA and is known as the International Business Institute (IBI).

In 1980, Bob's career took them to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA for three years and then back across the country to King College in Bristol, TN. They would stay in Bristol for 17 years and treasure that time at the college, First Presbyterian Church of Bristol and the lifelong friendships they established as they did wherever they lived.

In 2000, they returned to Wheaton to retire and to be closer to family. They enjoyed reconnecting with friends at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

When interviewed, Bob said that he "could not have done anything he's done without [Shirley's] advice, counsel and occasional correction." A friend described them as "a finely tuned, balanced machine of energy, innovation and hospitality." Together they took grandchildren traveling as "cousin teams" from California to Europe, creating memories and bonds not only between generations but between cousins as well. Their house was one of great hospitality where Sunday dinners were shared, shepherding groups were cherished, and no one left hungry, in body or soul.

Shirley is survived by her children, Steve Bartel of Overland Park, KS, Sarah (Mark) Bradley of Wheaton, IL, and Tim (Mia) Bartel of New York City, NY.  She is survived by 9 grandchildren, Kevin (Meghan) Bartel, Kate (Eric) Schlickman, Kyle (Dariana) Bradley, Drew (Becca) Bartel, Haley Bartel, Caroline (Kirk) Sundberg, Chris (Rebekah) Bradley, Daniel Bartel, and Isabela Bartel; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister Betty (Jay) McCully; brother-in-law Jim (Pat) Fleming; Jim and Joan Stough, Bob Ohman, Melodee Bartel and numerous other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert J. Bartel (2018), her sister Barbara Fleming, and her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 2:00 PM at College Church , 332 E. Seminary Ave., in Wheaton (IL).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to two ministries that Shirley held dear, due to the career involvement of her grandsons: GO Ministries, Inc. (KYLE BRADLEY in memory of Shirley Bartel) 11501 Plantside Drive, Suite 14, Louisville, KY 40299 ( www.gomin.org . Put memorial info in comment box); and Young Life San Luis Obispo County - CA487, (CHRIS BRADLEY in memory of Shirley Bartel) 954 Tarragon Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ( www.giving.younglife.org . Select Area Number CA487).

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .