Connie (Kleisly) Bartels, 62, of Hermann, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at her home.

On November 27, 1958 Connie was born to the union of Fred Kleisly and MarthaJean Brandt in St. Louis.

Connie graduated from Affton High School with honors. She would then earn her bachelor's degree from UMSL also with honors.

She proudly served her country in the United States Airforce Reserves.

On December 18, 1981 Connie was united in marriage to Herb Bartels III in St. Louis.

Connie was an active member of the Hermann United Methodist Church, served of the board of the Hermann Community Food Pantry, Camping and Retreat Ministries, Leader of the rock youth group of Leslie Methodist Church and the St. Vincent DePaul-jail ministries at Franklin County Correctional.

She enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts, sail-boating, traveling and going on family vacations. Connie was happiest when the house was full of family and friends.

Put best by her children, Connie was a loving, generous and fun woman; whose life was dedicated to loving and nurturing her family, friends and neighbors.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Fred Kleisly; niece, Corrine Foster; aunt, Annamay Kunz; brother-in-law, Ron Foster and father-in-law, Herb Bartels Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Herb Bartels III of Hermann; two sons, Gabriel Bartels of Hermann and Zachary Bartels of Hermann; three daughters, Rachel Rich and husband Michael of Washington, Wilhelmina Malinski and husband Matthew of Hermann and Nellie Bartels of Hermann; her mother, MarthaJean Kleisly of St. Louis; four sisters, Beverly Stock and husband Michael of Texas, Kim Foster of St. Louis, Gail Kleisly of St. Louis and Holly Kleisly and husband Dan Rein of St. Louis; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of life potluck will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Hermann United Methodist Church with a short service at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and in keeping with Connie's vibrant life we ask that you wear happy colorful clothing or tie-dye.

In Lieu of fresh cut flowers the family would appreciate perennial flowers or plants and garden decor to be planted in Connie's garden.

Donations are also appreciated to Hermann United Methodist Church Ministries Programs, Hermann Community Food Pantry or Heifer International