Fred Bartling, age 76, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, surrounded by his family at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Fred was born on March 4, 1949, in Canton, SD, to Gordon and Betty (Mitchell) Bartling. He grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in 1967. Fred went on to attend SDSU in Brookings, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specialization in Plant Pathology. It was there that his lifelong love for gardening began. While in college, Fred worked as a police officer, and it was during that time that he met his wife, Diane, who was studying to become a nurse.
On September 1, 1973, Fred married Diane Baack at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, MN. The couple first made their home in Canton before moving to Hull, Iowa, where Fred attended Power Lineman School in Sheldon. After graduation, Fred began his career with Nebraska Public Power District, first working in Hartington, NE.
In 1977, Fred accepted a transfer to Hay Springs, NE, where he and Diane settled, raised their children—Michelle and Chris—and became deeply rooted in the community. He served as Mayor, sat on the School Board, volunteered with the Hay Springs Fire Department for more than 25 years, and also served as Ambulance Chief. Fred believed in giving back and was always willing to lend his time and talents in the community.
Fred was always up for learning something new. Over the years, he took photography and welding classes, tried his hand at playing guitar and piano (though he’d be the first to admit that music wasn’t his strongest suit), and even gave disco dancing a whirl during the 1970s. He also discovered a deep passion for the outdoors and scuba diving, becoming a certified search and rescue diver.
A man of many interests, Fred loved to fish, hunt, shoot, tinker, and build things. He always had a project in progress. Every summer, he tended a large garden. When his children, Michelle and Chris, were little he grew a pumpkin so large that two kindergartners could fit inside it!
After retiring from NPPD, Fred and Diane moved to an acreage near Irene, S.D., to be closer to family. Fred kept busy driving for the Yankton Transit System and feeding his cows. In retirement, Fred’s love for learning evolved into the role of teaching. He was always eager to share his knowledge—especially with his grandchildren— whether it was about scuba diving, the outdoors, or one of his many projects. He enjoyed attending area high school basketball games, going to gun shows with friends and neighbors, and spending time outdoors.
Fred was also known for his love of black Labs—as long as anyone could remember, there was always a loyal black lab by his side.
Fred is survived by his children, Michelle (Josh) Dowling (grandchildren Addison, Sam) and Chris (Alissa) Bartling (grandchildren Halle, Garret, and Corbyn); brothers, Doug (Julie) Bartling and Tim (Vonda) Bartling; sister, Linda (Richard) Hill; along with his nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and his black lab, Hank.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; father, Gordon Bartling; mother, Betty Long; and step-father, Maurice Long.
Fred cherished the simple joys in life: good friends, a well-told story, and time spent with those he loved. His lessons, and his laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Globe in Hartington on Saturday, November 1, beginning with a short prayer service at 5:00 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, Fred requested that donations can be made to the Holy Trinity School (in Memory of Fred Bartling) in appreciation of the dedicated teachers. www.andersonandsonsfh.com