William Bartling

A celebration of life for William Henry “Hodge” Bartling, age 75, of Gregory, SD, was held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Hodge was born on September 15, 1950, in Burke, SD. A true son of the Plains, he was a man who appreciated the simple, honest pleasures of life and carried the steady, hardworking spirit of his South Dakota roots in everything he did. Hodge was baptized and confirmed in the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, beginning a life grounded in faith and community.

Hodge dedicated over 40 years to the hardware business before his retirement. He took immense pride in his work, and over the decades, he became a fixture in the lives of his customers. To Hodge, those he served weren’t just patrons; they were neighbors and friends. He was known for his expertise, his reliability, and the genuine friendships he built across the counter.

Hodge played softball in his younger days with the Gregory Gators and the Burke Buzzards. Later in life, he became an avid dart player, a passion that took him to the yearly state dart tournament and provided years of fun and friendship. When he wasn’t competing, he was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins, riding the highs and lows of every season with the dedication of a lifelong supporter. His favorite place to find peace, however, was on the Missouri River. Whether he was waiting for a bite on his line or simply enjoying the water, the river was his sanctuary.

Above all else, Hodge was a family man. His greatest joy in life was his role as a husband, father, and especially a grandfather. His face lit up whenever his grandkids came to visit, and he cherished the laughter and energy they brought into his home.

William Henry Bartling, affectionately known by all as “Hodge,” passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 75.

Hodge is survived by his wife, Melinda “Linda” Bartling of Gregory; his daughter, Amanda (Anthony) Velarde of Omaha, NE; his son, Gregg (Kari) Bartling of Baltic, SD; grandchildren Will and Sam Mahan of Omaha, NE; MaKay (Keenan) VanDerSchaaf of Sioux Fall, SD, Gaige Bartling of Baltic, SD, and Sr. Airman TayAnn Bartling, currently serving at Holloman AFB, NM; his brothers, Edward “Ed” Bartling of Burke, SD, and Robert “Bob” Bartling of Tyndall, SD; and his beloved “pet children”: Big, Snoop Dog, Oakley, Petey, and Spike; and many friends who will cherish their time spent and the memories made with him on the river, at the dart board, and in the stands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and June Bartling, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and relatives.