Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

41 years ago on Kodiak Island a good man was killed while on Duty… in those duties he kept the drunk, drugged or dumb from harming themselves and others.

I knew Gordy from sharing the ‘crew’ table at the back of the Copper Corner Restaurant. Marlys (Mom to many) looked out for everyone in her domain… especially her crew, Cops, Troopers and a few other strays like me.

Gordy smoothly dealt with the wild and wooly seeking to create drama… the label ‘Quiet Professional’ comes to mind… he projected real strength… not ego, bravado or bluster.

In peaceful moments; he would light up as he spoke of his Sweetheart & Kids…… he KNEW that he was blessed as they shared the Alaska chapter of their lives.

To his family… there are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. In a world where so many ‘watch’ instead of ‘do’… Gordy put on the uniform, went out and took care of many, many others… he is not forgotten. Brother Gordy-Rest In Peace.

CDR Ken Coffland
US Coast Guard (ret)

January 15, 2024

Here it is 2022 Gordon, still in my memories and heart. This is Police Memorial week and I wanted to tell you, that you have not been forgotten. Honoring you during this week of Law Enforcement Officers, lost in the line of duty.

Captain Lewis Ketchum

May 22, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 25, 2020

Gordon, Just dropping in to honor your memory. Lewis and I think of you often with fond memories of our friendship in Michigan and the FUN times in Kodiak, Alaska.
We hold your memory in our hearts.
Lewis and Ginger Ketchum

Captain Lewis Ketchum

June 14, 2020

RIP Officer Bartel, you and your sacrifice have not been forgotten. 37 years ago today you laid down your life. Sadly missed by your family and community and your law enforcement family around the world.

Kristen Sweaza
Daughter of retired ILOD LAPD Motor Officer
Wife of Police Captain Rob Sweaza Fountain Valley PD, CA (RET)
Founder of Blue_Wives_Matter

January 16, 2020

Fair winds and following seas, Gordie.

It's been 37 years and I still remember you well. You are missed.

You were one of the good guys.

Gerard Black
Some half assed bum fisherman passing through town at the time.

January 10, 2020

Remembering Gordon with such love and fond memories today. So many years have passed. Praying that Ruggy (Gordon Bartel Jr) Katie and Sarah, and Robin are all are doing well.

Lewis and Ginger
Kodiak PD - Ingham Cty Sheriff Dept

June 6, 2019

Cousin, Your family in the South misses you.

Johnny Stowe
First Cousin

September 23, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 15, 2018

Gordon was a friend of my husband ,who also was a P.O. and myself. He was a wonderful father and loved his children. We spent many fun times at his home in Michigan, planning our move to Alaska with him and his family. He had a great sense of humor.
We will always remember the good times with him and wife, Robin.

Lewis and Ginger Ketchum
Friends

January 1, 2018

Just wanted to express my gratitude to you all.
Your memories mean the world to us, as we have few of our own. Reading that he was kind and respected instills a great sense of pride. Seeing that he is still remembered continues to offer great comfort.
I love you all for what you have shared with him, and with us. Each entry allows me to know him a little better, and I am truly grateful. Thank you.

Kate
Daughter

October 29, 2017

For some reason I was thinking about Gordon today. We worked together in Kodiak, I was part of the selection team that hired him.
Gordon was a good man, I enjoyed being around him, always a smile, always positive. I was the lead investigator for the shooting that cut his life short. I remember holding it together until the verdict, I wept a long time that night.

Chief Glenn Herbst
Retired Unalaska Dept of Public Safety

September 21, 2017

Gordon-
Thinking of you yesterday on your birthday and a lot lately following our friend, Sean O'Keeffe's memorial service in Chicago in early Feb.
What fun we all had as kids back in Geneva so long ago. I had a chance to visit Geneva while in Chicago and rode bikes with my wife. Karen through the old neighborhoods and showed her your old house on Meadows(I think), my old street, Hawthorne Lane and the O'Keeffe's house on 4th street.
Sean and I reminisced many time, especially in his last year, about all the fun the three of us had goofing off together in those childhood and teenage days. I wish I could see you again buddy and I hope you and Sean are once again together laughing about all those times.
Glenn Anderson
March 9, 2017

Glenn Anderson
Friend

March 9, 2017

Dear Gordon,
The date, January 15 is bittersweet for me as that is the day you left us for heaven and 31 years later on January 15, our first grandchild, Mia Mollie was born. I know in my heart that I will see you again and we will know great joy and share much laughter. Please let Mom, Dad and Tom know how much I love and miss them.
Laura

Laura Christianson
sister

June 13, 2015

I haven't been here in years - Still reading, but every entry is another new story for me. Wow and thank you all

GBB Jr.
Son

April 3, 2015

I just became aware of this memorial site after receiving the moving comments of cousin Johnny Stowe. I only met Gordon, briefly, when I was on a business trip to Chicago and visited Polly and her brood in Geneva Illinois. Years passed when the news of Gordon's tragic death came and with it the sadness of loss.
This was so, for though I didn't get to know Gordon I surely knew the Brewsters, each and every one. The son of Polly, the grandson of Gordon and Mollie, the nephew of Fannie, Mary, and Buddy all of whom were part of the the warmest, most loving, and open folks ever. Every visit to Cedartown as a child was just wonderful. They all were so happy to see you and embrace you. Special memory for a kid.
And so, though I didn't know Gordon face to face, I surely know him in the spirit of the folks from whence he came.
Rest in peace, cousin

Robert Young
Cousin

March 28, 2015

Cousin Gordon: I think of you often, most especially when i am in our homeland in northwest Georgia. Today especially you are on my mind and in my heart as I mail to your daughter Sarah some slides i found of you when you were a boy -- happy times with Aunt Polly and Uncle Tom, of Grandma Molly and Grandpa Gordon, of your brothers Tommy and John, and sister Laura. I am keeping some of them but sending the best to Sarah to share with Gordon and Kate and others. Sarah and i have become very close since we met 8.5 years ago on this very website. For establishing that treasured family connection, and for all the tributes i have often teary-eyed read from your colleagues, friends and family on this reflections page, and for the overall mission and service to all who remember officers killed in the line of duty -- i thank Officers Down. One day i will come and hunt in Kodiak, and when i do, i will visit your memorial, and i hope talk to some of those who served with you. Cousin Johnny Stowe: Ridge and Valley of Northwest Georgia. 28 March 2015

Johnny Stowe
First Cousin

March 28, 2015

There is not a day goes by without thinking of you Chief. You and Lou were great Officers.

Retired Deputy John Haven
Ingham County Sheriff Office

February 27, 2015

I think of you often my brother. Save a spot at the table for the rest of us.

Captain John Conaty
Ingham Cunty Sheriff Dept.o

February 9, 2015

I was living in Kodiak when Gordy Bartel was killed. He was a fine officer and had a great rapport with the street people, of which I was one.

I remember him being a kind officer and working with people rather than against them.

After his death things were never the same in Kodiak.

Piccolo
private citizen

January 4, 2015

Stopping by to honor a friend and partner. Think of you often and the fun times that we had in MI and AK with your family. Seems like just yesterday that we were setting in your office in Webberville and found the PO jobs in Kodiak, AK, applied and moved our families there. RIP OLD FRIEND.

Lewis and Ginger Ketchum
Deputy Sheriff Ingham Cty MI and Kodiak AK PO

August 23, 2014

Gordon thinking of all the fun times that we had with you and your beautiful family in Michigan and Alaska. What a journey when we moved to AK. You are thought of often and we always keep your children Ruggie, Sarah and Kate in our prayers. Will see you again on the other side.

Lewis and Ginger Ketchum
Deputy Sheriff Ingham Cty MI and Kodiak AK PO

August 23, 2014

Hi Gor! I pray that you feel all of our love for you as you live and dwell in the heavens. I miss you and my love for you is eternal.
Your sister, Laura

Laura Bartel Christianson
sister

June 2, 2014

I knew Gordie when he was the chief of police in Webberville Mi He was a great guy and great friend.

Deputy Sheriff
Ingham County Sheriff Dept

May 3, 2014

It was great knowing Gordon, Gordie, as growing up with him. He was not only a great officer of the law! Had more compassion for his fellow human beings on this earth, and I still to this date will never forget him, and a young man, but a Hero!


Mark Monroe
Geneva,Il / Helotes TX

Military
Friends growing-up!

April 2, 2014