Carol Bartelsmeyer

Carol Lou Bartelsmeyer, nee Harmening, 89, of Swansea, IL, born February 13, 1936, in New Minden, IL, died Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Dolan Memory Care, St. Louis, MO.

Carol graduated from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville and was a longtime grade school teacher at Illini Elementary School in Fairview Heights. Her training as a teacher began in the 1960’s, a time when many new ideas were being introduced in the teaching world. For many years, she taught in the pioneering (and sometimes challenging) “open” classroom design. Carol worked diligently to adapt these ideas to the pedagogical realities of second graders, and her fundamental kindness and love for children constantly guided her. Carol was devoted to her job and passionate about educating her young students, while enjoying the close collaboration with her colleagues.

When not teaching or prepping for the classroom, Carol created a loving and nourishing home for her husband, Fred, and their three children, Fred Jr., Jim, and Karen. Fred and Carol were always thrilled to spend time together with their friends, including their bridge playing groups which spanned decades. Above all else, Carol was devout in her faith in God and held a deep love for her extended family. She and Fred were involved in Peace Lutheran Church, Belleville, for many decades, and they later attended Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville. She served in the Stephen Ministry and sang in the choir.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Frederick William Bartelsmeyer, whom she married August 25, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Minden, IL, and who died March 31, 2022; her parents, Amos and Edna, nee Schrieber, Harmening; a sister, Sherry Harmening; and a brother-in-law, Morris Kaufman.

Surviving are two sons, Frederick (Manuela) Bartelsmeyer and James (Helen) Bartelsmeyer; a daughter, Karen Bartelsmeyer; six grandchildren, Amos (Piper), Tilman, Andrew (Lauren), Alex (Rachel) and Chris (Megan) Bartelsmeyer; and Caroline (Nolan) Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ellery, and Frances; and two sisters, Norma Kaufman and Patricia (William) Brink.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, or to the Belleville Community Interfaith Food Pantry. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Chris Spelbring officiating.

Burial: Family and friends will meet at North Prairie Cemetery, Hoyleton, IL, at 1:00 p.m. for burial.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home