Nicky Bartling

Nicky Dean Bartling, son of Arlo D. Bartling and Rosemary L. Elvers passed away on June 20, 2024, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha at the age of 66 surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born on March 1, 1958 in Alamogordo, New Mexico at Holloman Air Force Hospital. He was baptized on March 23, 1958. His father, Arlo, died in an auto accident when he was only 3 years-old. Rosemary married Merlen Schnakenberg who helped raise Nicky and his two siblings, Daniel and Kristine.  Nicky became a big brother to four more siblings, Shelly, Jodi, Jani and Jamie. 
Nicky graduated from Deshler High School in 1977. His presence on the football field was notable and on the wrestling mat he was known as “Quick Stick Nick”. He attended Hastings Central Community College where he wrestled and studied diesel mechanics.  After returning to Deshler, he worked in construction with his Uncle Stanley Bartling, and later as a welder with Reinke Manufacturing.  He was an active member of the Deshler Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years.  Using his mechanical and welding skills, he was the “go to” guy fixing whatever needed to be done on the farm. Nick faced many medical hurdles.  A partial leg amputation changed his life, yet he remained active connecting with friends and family through social media.   Nick was a wheeler and dealer on auction items via the internet. If you needed something, he would find it.  
Nicky loved his large family, and his nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart. He passed along to each of them his signature “trick” so they could show their parents what Uncle Nicky had taught them!  There were so many wonderful memories of him as Uncle Nick, a big brother and as a friend. Nicky was a mountain of a man with a heart larger than him.  He will be deeply missed by his family and by all of those who had the privilege of truly knowing who Nicky was.
He is preceded in death by his father, Arlo Bartling, parents Merlen and Rosemary Schnakenberg, aunts and uncles Lela (Dick) Crockett, Harlan (Elvira) Schnakenberg, Linda (Elgin) Saunders, Stanley (Diane) Bartling, Carlean (Earnie) Kassebaum, Gladys (Max) Degenhardt, Darold (Norma) Bartling, Delma (Wayne) Houchin, Elaine (Dale) Moobery, Nelva (Hollis) Grone, cousins, nephew Taylor Bartling and lifelong friend, Mike Larkins.
Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Daniel (Jill) Bartling of Aurora; Kriss (Mike) Ellingson of Crete; Shelly Schnakenberg of Phillips; Jodi (Bob) Else of Belvidere; Jani (Kevin) Cottam of Hebron; Jamie (Kim) Schnakenberg of Wahoo; aunts and uncles Berta (Wayne) Lomax, Don (Terri) Elvers, Roger (Debbie) Elvers, Larry (Grace) Schnakenberg, Shelia (John) Staples, Nola Bates, his 14 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
A private graveside service will be held. The public is invited to attend Nicky’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Deshler 4-H building from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Krolls Funeral Home in Deshler is in charge of the arrangements.