Gladys Ann Barthels

Gladys A. Barthels, 97, of Kingsford passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, WI. Gladys was born July 20, 1925, in Kingsford, daughter of the late Xavier and Elsie (Gunville) Paupore. On Aug. 20, 1925, Gladys was baptized at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. She graduated from Kingsford High School in 1943 and remained a staunch Flivver fan the rest of her life. On May 17, 1947, she married Jack Barthels at American Martyrs Catholic Church, sharing 66 years together before Jack preceded her in death on Sept. 21, 2013. Gladys’ faith and her family were her top priorities. She will be remembered for her work as a Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher at American Martyrs Church. On January 26, 1986, she was confirmed into the Lutheran Church at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She continued serving faithfully at Our Redeemer as a member of the altar guild, ladies aid, financial secretary, and VBS volunteer. As a mother of school-aged children, Gladys was active in her children’s schools, 4H and PTA. Among her other talents and hobbies, Gladys enjoyed canning, cooking, camping, sewing, and knitting. She also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Tigers, as well as the Kingsford Flivvers. She especially loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their many sporting events. Gladys will be deeply missed by her children, Sue Rochon of Kingsford, Karen (Jeffrey) Barnes of Pulaski, WI, Debra (James) Sleik of Iron Mountain, John (Susan) Barthels of Grand Rapids, and Julie Barthels of Kingsford; 15 grandchildren, Brian (Maria) Rochon, Michael (Shannon) Rochon, Christopher (Melanie) Barnes, David (Eva) Barnes, Nicholas (Vanessa) Barnes, John (Michelle) Sleik, Mick (Natalie) Sleik, Jamie (Thomas) Harger, Katie (Dan) Pontbriand, Sara (Travis) Johnson, Kristen (Jeriel) Brown, Paul Sleik, Jacob Sleik, Matthew (Samantha) Barthels, and Megan Barthels; great-grandchildren, Chelsea (Joe) Rochon-Heyrman, Alexis, Laurence, and Ethan Rochon, Samuel, Emma and Luke Rochon, Noah Barnes, Vivien and Isabel Barnes, Christian Griffin, Delaney and Cody Sleik, Caroline and James Sleik, Nicholas Harger, Anthony Gallino, Jack Bourdage, Connor and Violet Johnson, Andrew Brown, and Hallie Barthels; sister, Judy (Larry) LaPoint; sister-in-law, Joyce (Phil) Paupore; and many other family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Gladys is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Phil and Jim Paupore, sister Doris and brother-in-law Ivan Fietzer; and a sister-in-law, Shirley and brother-in-law Edwin Borden. Gladys’ family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Maryhill Manor for the excellent care of their mother over the last 22 months. The kindness shown to her and her family will never be forgotten. Visitation will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 420 W. Breitung Ave., from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, with Rev. Matthew Ruesch officiating the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. Gladys’ grandsons will be pallbearers. Condolences to the family of Gladys A. Barthels may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Gladys Ann Barthels

July 20, 1925 - November 10, 2022