Services for William Christopher “Chris” Barteldes, 74, Lawrence, are private.
Mr. Barteldes died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at LMH Health.
He was born December 23, 1946 in Lawrence, the son of Ben August and Stella Jean Haines Barteldes. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelors degree from the University of Kansas.
Mr. Barteldes worked as a realtor. He enjoyed collecting cars, his favorite being Ferrari’s. He also enjoyed obtaining autographs from athletes and celebrities.
He is survived by a brother, Bart Barteldes and wife Regina of Lawrence; nephews, Otto Barteldes of Olathe, KS, William Barteldes of Lawrence; niece, Karla Barteldes; and friend, Todd Bradford of Lawrence.
My memories were very pleasant of him . I was blessed to have met him at CJHS , as a young student . Nice and funny man ! Rest in Peace brother 🙏🏾💙
Chris was my cousin and a dear man. I will miss him. R.I.P Chris
I was deeply saddened to hear of Chris’s death. We worked together for many years together at the Gill Agency. Chris liked to collect autographed photos of celebrities and would give them to his colleagues as birthday gifts. I was in touch with him briefly last spring and we were going to get together after he returned from Arizona. I’m so sorry that we didn’t get that accomplished.
Memories of Chris as my tennis coach at CJHS in late 70’s and of course his being the “Crunchberries” basketball coach for those of us who didn’t conform to Duver’s style but could play! Chris was a caring soul who gave kids a chance and a outlet to participate and have fun in life! Cheers friend and God speed!
Chris was a good friend to many of us who knew him in college. We would see him and any new cars he had on the 4th of July,. Those of you who talk about his terrible jokes hit the truth squarely on the head.. we all have walls full of autographs. Ernesto Chris was very proud of you and would talk about you each time we saw him. I remember the day you were born. He was so proud to have a nephew. God bless you Chris this 4th will have a missing member of our group.
Mr. Barteldes was my first school team tennis coach at Central Jr. High back in the early 80’s. He was the 1st person that I saw use an oversize head Prince brand racket. He always made tennis practice fun. His calm demeanor was needed for a hot headed 14 year old on the tennis court like me. I also recall he had a cool mid century home on the hill and drove a convertible foreign car.
Chris was my baseball coach when I played for the Elks in the Holcomb league and he also taught me to water ski on Lone Star lake. He was so gentle & kind…just a great guy who will be missed~
I have not talked with Chris in many years but I remember him as a good friend and positive influence when I was in junior and senior high school in the sixties. We water skied; I remember riding in a luxurious car–maybe a Jaguar– that had a wooden dashboard. And he introduced me to Mad Magazine and gave me a stack of Mad paperbacks; a big deal for a seventh grader in that era. He was a generous young man. Condolences to his family.
Chris being one of a kind is an understatement. At Cordley School he shared with me his cool Peanuts character stamps and he even had a stamp for the day we were turning in our “homework”. He was a big Charles Schultz (Peanuts) follower. Later on he would stop in to see me and always would have some autographs to show me or at least one of his many jokes to tell. Usually the jokes were groaners, but at least would always put a smile on my face. Every time we would see each other, he would remind me that he was 2 days older than me and so much wiser. And of course there were the cars, 3 wheels, small smart car all the way to the Ferrari. Chris you will be missed but will always have great memories.
Chris was one-of-a-kind. He was a long time customer and would come to our office everyday at 9AM. He would tell us jokes – some funny and some not. He was a great friend and loved talking about cars, movies and sports. He lived a great life and had many stories about his past travels. He was a generous donor to the community as well.
Chris will be greatly missed by us and the many friends he had in Lawrence and beyond. Rest in Peace Chris.
Chris always liked to chat about his cars and mine. He tracked me down once in a grocery store, ended up talking for several hours. He will be missed by so many.
Another great Lawrencian gone from this earthly plain. Chris is fondly remembered and will be missed by many. – Sara Gilllahan
I love reading all these tributes to Chris. . . the common thread. . . he was a gentle kind man with that unique sense of humor that could make you laugh or scream! That was part of his charm. His friends and family were so important to him. Great memories from high school. I think the class of ’65 was like family to him! He will be remembered!
I got out my copy of the Red and Black for our senior year. I looked at Chris’s picture and that is how I remember him. Wonderful smile.
I never had much interaction with Chris after we left High School. We saw each other at reunions and occasionally around town. I always had a great time with him when we were together and YES he had a great sense of humor and always treated everyone with kindness. All of us, his classmates and the community he loved will miss him very much. RIP Chris…
Mr. Barteldes was my 9th grade Spanish teacher at Central Junior High. He was a great teacher, and I remember that he would often start off class by reviewing the highlights of the previous night’s Johnny Carson Show. I remember that he would treat us as young adults and not children, and he would talk to us and not down to us. I respected him and valued him as a teacher. ¡Grácias, Señor Barteldes!
Chris was my “boyfriend” in Jr. High. We water skiied at Lone Star Lake in the summers and ice skated in the winters. Fond memories! He will be missed.
Oh, how I loved Chris. Lots of skiing on the lake and great times!! I was saddened to hear of his passing, he was a very special friend of mine and he will be missed ❤️❤️My condolences to his family . Fondly, Karen
So sorry to hear this. Chris was an awesome person and will be missed. Prayers for the family
I am shocked and taken aback by this news. Chris accumulated many, many friends, and colleagues who appreciated his dry sense of humor, his love of cars and autographs as well as his devotion to the Lawrence and Jayhawk community. He always told a good story and ended our time together with the corny jokes that he, himself, created. Personally, I am deeply saddened that there is no service to attend for so many of us who would want to say our final good-byes. Chris, just know that you were loved…and you will be missed.
He is also survived by nephew Ernest and nice Luiza plus grand-nieces and grand-nephews . I guess someone “forgot” about that.
Rest in peace Uncle Chris. You were one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
I met Chris when he worked for Lawrence Park and Rec way back in 1963 at Hillcrest School summer program and I believe he coached little league baseball there as well. He would always have time to chat or tell a joke and as we got older I was always glad to see him and catch up. Chris seemed to always have a genuine interest in people. He will be missed.
I am deeply hurt by the loss of one of my best friends. Chris and I shared many rides in his vast collection of cars over the years He will be missed. Rest peacefully old friend U will not be forgotten.
I first met Chris when we taught together at Central Junior High School. He had a wry sense of humor and we shared many moments of hilarity. Later when we were both in Rotary, I found that his sense of humor had not mellowed, and I was grateful to find this sweet and funny man still entertaining others with his jokes and pranks. Chris was one of a kind and I am glad to have known him.
Chris was such a benevolent and charitable Rotarian whose quirky humor and observations were like no other. He will be missed by those within and outside the Lawrence community. Condolences to his loved ones during their time of grief.
Chris was a kind and gentle soul. His unique brand of humor was delightful! He will be missed.
Chris was kind, generous, and so good to those he knew. A truly unique individual who enjoyed life. He will be greatly missed (bad jokes and all) by all his many friends.
Chris was one of the nicest, most generous, and funny friends I had as a young man growing up in Lawrence. He had style and substance and he taught me to water ski on Lone Star Lake! He will be missed…