Henry Bartnik

HENRY BARTNIK

Henry Bartnik, 99, of Cass City, went to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, June 18, 2026 following a short illness. He was born April 19, 1927 in Detroit to Stanley and Frances (Kohan) Bartnik. He married Helen Barszcz on September 6, 1952. She died December 6, 1984. He married Elfrieda Guinther on May 4, 2002. She died October 25, 2017.

Henry graduated from Cass City high school in 1946. He then worked for his father‘s business which was started in 1948. They sold Minneapolis Moline tractors, parts and had a welding repair shop along with a drive-in movie theater on the weekends. Henry also had a canned milk route for many years. Later, the business changed ownership to Henry and his brother Casimir and was renamed Bartnik Service. As time passed, the business grew and wreckers were added, along with the scrapyard. Henry refused to retire from the business. He spent numerous years, even into his 90s, behind the wheel of a wrecker. He was often found sitting outside at the business to proudly become the best public relations officer the business could ask for. He loved to sit on the porch visiting with customers, keeping his eye on the local semi-trucks that drove by and keeping everybody up-to-date with any important happenings.

Henry was a well-traveled man; having faith in his navigation abilities, he confidently traveled all of Michigan and drove down to Alabama to visit his daughter and grandchildren and he “never once got lost”, so he said. Henry loved reminiscing about his travels; including many cruises, driving up north just because he could, more wrecker calls than he could count, and many long ice cream trips that would take him around the lakeshore. Henry was an active member at Our Lady Consolata Parish, Cass City where he served as an usher. He also volunteered at the Thumb Octagon Barn.

Henry was an avid puzzler and completed more puzzles than his family could continually supply. He enjoyed playing cards and Tripoli. Henry was a lover of animals and had many junk yard dogs and cats over the years that he cherished. He was a true Polish man and loved dancing and listening to polka music.

Henry was adamant that you should never throw things away, because they can be later used for parts for his many projects. He was, by his own self-description, not cheap-but frugal. But if you mentioned a casino trip, he was on the front seat waiting on you before you had time to blink. In his later years, Henry and his children went on many casino trips together that he eagerly looked forward to, and he treasured that time together. He stressed the importance of doing the things you enjoy while you can, and he did just that. Henry was a hard-working, intelligent, funny, witty man that will be deeply missed by all those that have been lucky enough to have known him.

Henry is survived by his children: Chris (Greg) Lobdell of Birmingham, AL; Dave (Shelly) Bartnik of Deford, Gerald Bartnik of Cass City; grandchildren: Chad (Kelly) Lobdell, Trevor (Tiffany) Lobdell, Justin (Emily) Lobdell, Matthew (Jessica) Bartnik, Mandi (Austin) Osentoski, Rachel Bartnik, fiancé’ Dakota Tinker, Lauren Bartnik, Jenna Bartnik, Joslyn Bartnik; and eleven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wives, Helen and Elfrieda; daughter, Gloria Bartnik; brothers: Edward Bartnik, Chester Bartnik, and Casimir Bartnik.

Funeral Mass held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Our Lady Consolata, Cass City with Fr. Robert Pare officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady Consolata Parish or the Thumb Octagon Barn.

Visitation: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Our Lady Consolata, Cass City