Earl Bartells, age 92, of Huron, SD, died Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at his home. His funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Riverview United Methodist Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.; or Saturday afternoon one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral luncheon will be served at noon prior to the funeral service on Saturday at Riverview United Methodist Church. Earl Carl Albert, son of Fred and Marie (Scheel) Bartells, was born on December 8, 1919, in rural Wolsey, SD. He attended Glendale County School K-8, and then graduated from Alpena High School. He farmed with his father in the Alpena area for 25 years. On May 4, 1945, Earl was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. On October 6, 1946, he was injured and was medically discharged after spending 2 weeks in the Army hospital. He then went to Fort Benning (Georgia) Motor Pool and drove trucks and buses. He returned to Huron and on November 1, 1946, he began working at Armour & Company as a meat cutter for 37 years. He was an avid carpenter, mechanic, and Mr. Fix It. Whatever needed to be repaired he would tackle the job until it was done or at least make it work. To the best of his ability, Earl taught his children how to fix their bikes or tear a car motor down. Earl's son, Lynn, washed each part and put the motor back together and his other son, Everett, would also put his bikes back together so he could deliver newspapers. Earl told the boys that he would show them how to fix things one time and then they could do it for themselves, thus giving them determination. In July of 1948, Earl saw a tall, young lady standing and talking with some of her friends. Her name was Evelyn Cowie. Evelyn became the love of his life. They dated until May 14, 1949, when she became Earl's bride. They made their home in Huron. In July of 1951, they bought their first home where they both resided until their deaths. To this marriage there were 2 sons, Everett and Lynn; to these families there are his 2 daughters-in-law, Joni (Robish) and Julie (Houck); 5 grandchildren, Chad (Heather) Bartells, Hallie (Troy) McKown, Cody (Carmon) Bartells, Kristene (Bret) Larsen, and Greg Strub; 8 great grandchildren, Greyson Bartells, Chase Huff, Cadden Huff, Tyson Bartells, Teigan McKown, Jaylin Strub, Carlee Strub, Keaton Larsen, (and 2 on the way); 1 brother, Glenn Bartels of Huron; 2 sisters-in-law, Clara Frank of Wolsey, and Lois (Orrin) of Redwood Falls, MN; many nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn, on November 16, 2008; 1 bother-in-law; and 1 sister-in-law.