Emelda Ann Bartell

Emelda A. Bartell, of Wayland, MI passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the age of 87. Mel was born in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Ann (Bernatowicz) Kotarski. She married Thomas H. Bartell (D) and moved to Wayland, MI in the late 1950’s. As a business owner, Mel owned and operated several successful restaurants including Bartell’s Restaurant, Thornapple Kitchen, Mel’s Diner, Jolly Bar & Grille and Daisy Maes. Her hobbies included amassing a large collection of books, trips to the casino and spoiling her cat, Meow. Mel is survived by sons: John Bartell and Tony Bartell; daughter: Sara Sexton (Bruce); stepson: Michael Bartell (Doris); grandchildren: Michelle Arendsen, Jeremy Ballard, Nicholas Sexton, Emily (Ben) Lenard, Colleen Bartell, Jackleen Bartell, John T. Bartell; great-grandchildren: Austin (Xandria) Wooten, Aubree Wooten, Ryan Arendsen and Evelyn Boss; great great-grandchildren Braelynn and McKinley Wooten. She was predeceased by son Thomas W. Bartell and stepson Terry Bartell. Emelda will be cremated and interred at St Cyril Methodius in Wayland. Family and friends will gather for a graveside memorial, date yet to be determined. Please take time and sign the guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory. The Bartell family is being cared for by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.