Edward Bartell, 86, of Champaign, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:48 p.m. on December 13, 2009 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2101 S. Prospect, Champaign, Rev. Donna Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 19000 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. He will be laid to rest at Kopmann Cemetery near Royal.

Edward was born September 22, 1923, in Ogden Township near Royal, IL. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mrs. Bertha Bartell Stein. He is survived by his two sisters, Grace (Doug) Strode of Murfreesboro, TN, and Mary Lou (Ted) Sandwell of Urbana, IL. Also surviving are loved ones, Dennis Strode, Doug (Vickie) Strode, Jr., Diane (Henry) Carter, Denise (Scott) Gregory, Desi (Diann) Strode, Vickie (Bryan) Hart, Debby (Scott) Young, Michele (Brian) Kowalski, William (Ginny) Campbell, Jr., Lisa Withrow, Chris Sandwell, Angie Strode, Steve (Lynette) Strode, Tracy (Tommy) Williamson, Ben (April) Young, Byron Young, Hailey Giberson, Amanda Strode, Jessie Strode, Belinda (Josh) White, Matt Jarrett, Danielle (Scott) Deck, Spencer Lucks, William Campbell III, Matthew Schierer, Zack Schierer, Darria Campbell, Brooke Withrow, Walker Withrow, and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Edward worked at Busboom Grain Elevator in Royal for 34 years and also operated a corn sheller in that local area for many years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter on the Royal Fire Department during the 1950's and 1960's. He moved to Champaign in 1981 and worked at the Lincoln Building for 2 years before retiring. He was a devoted family man and the children in the family deeply loved and cherished their "Unkie." He will be sorely missed by all.

The family would especially like to express gratitude to the ICU staff at Provena Covenant Medical Center for their care and kindness.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Champaign, or to the Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com