Donald G. “Bart” Bartholomew, age 85, of Hamburg, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota.
He was born December 5, 1940 in Milton Township, Dodge County, MN. The son of Albert and Irene (Strieff) Bartholomew. He was a graduate of West Concord High School and after high school he joined the US Army Reserve of which he later received an Honorable Release from Active Duty.
Don married Karen Wilson ( also of West Concord ) on October 17th 1964. They moved to the Lakeville MN area shortly thereafter to be closer to his work at Ziegler Cat in Bloomington, MN. He completed the Caterpillar Field Service Training Program in Peoria, IL and then began his career with Ziegler.
He spent the next 40 years with Ziegler in various roles within the company and was always regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and best mechanics in the field. The relationships and friendships created throughout his career with Ziegler were countless and continued well into his retirement years.
In 1994, he and Karen moved from Bloomington, MN to a small hobby farm outside of Hamburg, MN. A beautiful property and farm site with several outbuildings and some pasture land where Bart could park his growing collection of Cat Crawlers and Graders. In 1996 Karen passed away at the farm but Bart has called it home ever since and has found great joy and peace there amongst the beautiful surroundings and countryside. He has spent countless hours planting trees, hedges, and gardens over the years along with restoring some of the outbuildings, Dairy Barn and countless tractors.
In the late 1990's Don and Sue Clough (Prior Lake, MN) became close friends and started dating, spending the following 30 years sharing life together. They loved working on home projects together, traveling, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Their love for each other and for their respected families has been truly a gift and has created countless special memories for all to cherish.
He is survived by his sister, Darlene (John & children); brother, Bill ( Lavonne & children); son, Gregg (Megan, Gracie & Bennett); son -in-law, Kyle (Kal & Max ); Sue Clough and family; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Albert & Irene; brother, Delmar; wife, Karen and daughter, Courtney.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, 12:00 P.M., at Mount Olivet Lutheran West Campus (7150 Rolling Acres Road) in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 11:00 - 12:00 P.M., 1 hour prior to the service ALL at the church.
