Charles Bartanen

Charlie was born on June 27, 1949, son of the late Robert and Ruth (Lammi) Bartanen. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School with the class of 1967. Following graduation Charlie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. After returning from his military service, Charlie worked within the family business. He then expanded on the skills he learned from his father, by owning and operating Bartanen’s Auto and Tire for several decades.

Charlie was united in marriage to his wife Merry (Wiig) Bartanen on August 10, 2002 during a shotgun wedding ceremony! Charlie and Merry enjoyed camping with family and friends, and wintering in Cedar Key, FL for many years.

Charlie is survived by 4 siblings: Bruce Bartanen, Linda (Mike) Bonetti , Steve (Lynn) Bartanen and Sally Healey; sister-in-law: Robin Bartanen; Merry’s children: Heather Bjorne, and Wayne (Stefanie) Bjorne; 6 grandchildren: Christian Martin, Rachel (Matthew) Chaplin, Zachary Martin, Kira Martin, Brennan Bjorne, and Isabella Bjorne; and great-grandson Henry Chaplin, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Merry (Wiig) Bartanen, brother Richard Bartanen, and sister-in-law Carole Bartanen.

Charlie’s family welcomes friends and relatives to join them for a graveside service with military honors to be held at the Ishpeming Cemetery on Monday August 18, 2025 at 10:00am. Military honors will be accorded by the UP Honor team and the Greenwood American Legion Post #114.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a veterans’ charity of your choice in memory of Charlie.

Charlie’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.