Gayle Bartling

Funeral services for Gayle Bartling were held on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Philip Henning officiating. Music was provided by the Grace Lutheran Church Choir and Brecken Bartling and Shannon Weller, accompanied by Randy Sachtjen, organist. Brenda Lindwurm and Stacey Larson were in charge of registration. Urn bearers were Benjamin Bartling, Brecken Bartling, and Bryce Bartling. Honorary urn bearers were the Class of 1979. Inurnment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Gayle Marie “Tootie” Bartling was born May 31, 1961, sharing her birthday with Dale “Boog”, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD, to Alvin and Evelyn (Dirks) Bartling. She grew up on the family farm and enjoyed being outside and helping with chores as well as working on 4-H projects.

Gayle was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD. She attended Burke Elementary and High School, graduating in 1979. She enjoyed music and band.

Gayle then attended Mitchell Technical Institute, completing the two year lab program. She then went on to Hebron, NE, for two years and then to Pierre, SD, where she worked for the South Dakota State Health Lab for 34 years.

Gayle retired and moved back to Burke and was able to enjoy family gatherings and cards. Gayle adopted Nova, or Nova adopted Gayle - not sure how that was - but they kept each other company and took care of each other. She was kind and soft hearted, always ready to help where able, and had a listening ear.

Gayle always enjoyed lawn work, gardening and flowers. She also had an eye for decorating and was quite the handywoman. She watched the show “This Old House”, which is how she gained the name “Tootie Bob” from her brother Rich.

Gayle’s family was her priority, often attending softball and baseball games, or live streaming basketball when able.

She enjoyed playing pitch and was often reminded to “bid her cards” by her brothers. She always enjoyed setting them. Her partners often asked, “Did tou play too soon?” or reminded her of what trump was. She was not one to get excited about a loss.

She passed away on July 13, 2023. “Tootie” was her name, it was given to her by Grandpa Dirks. She is survived by sister Cathy, brother Rich (Janelle) - children Benjamin, Brecken, and Bryce, her wombmate Dale, as well as several cousins and friends.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.