Richard Bartholomew

Richard K. Bartholomew Richard K. Bartholomew, 84, of Racine, WI, died on Friday, February 26, 2010 at home. Richard was born on Mother's Day, May 10, 1925, in Long Beach, CA. He graduated in 1944 and was drafted into the U.S. Army, 169th regiment of the 43rd division. During time on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines, he was shot in the chest and received a Purple Heart Medal, as well as the Bronze Star. He returned to CA and began his life's work as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. He married Edith McNevins on June 4, 1953. He retired in 1982 and volunteered over 1,000 hours at a local hospital. Richard's lifelong passion was cutting and polishing stones, and creating one-of-a-kind jewelry. His other love was his cat, Kitty whom he rescued from a trash can when she was a three week old kitten. Richard moved from his home in CA to Racine, WI in 2008 to live with his daughter, Cindy, and son-in-law, Tom. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren, Mindy, Mark, and their mates each week at Thursday night dinners. Richard became a member of First Baptist Church, Winthrop Harbor, IL. He passed away suddenly with no prior illness and went to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Richard was a devout Christian, a wonderful father and grandfather, and an altogether happy and generous person. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his children, Glen R. (Peggy) Bartholomew of Gig Harbor, WA, Susan M. (Pete) Bartholomew-Otis of New Brunswick, Canada, Bruce D. (Pauline) Bartholomew of Fairfax, CA, and Cindy D. (Tom) Bartholomew-Garcia of Racine, WI; six grandsons; two granddaughters which includes, Mindy (boyfriend, Breeze Ratchford) Baumgartner of Raymond, WI, and Mark (Erin) Baumgartner of Racine, WI, with whom he spent time with weekly; 11 great-grandchildren; nephews, Steve and John Bartholomew; and niece, Ruth Bartholomew-Fye. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank H. Bartholomew and Vera B. Knupp - Bartholomew; and his wife Edith A. McNevins Bartholomew in 2000. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Pastor Michael Brown of the 1st Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor, officiating. Friends may greet the family on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the 1st Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor, 3001 9th St., Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096. Further services and final interment will occur next week in California.