John "Dick" R. Bartenslager

John "Dick" Richard Bartenslager, 90, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Brightview at Baldwin Park in Staunton. 
 

He was born on November 27, 1933, in York County, PA to the late Dr. Arthur "Doc" Valentine Bartenslager and Mrs. Delilah Orr Bartenslager.
 

Dick had a rich and fulfilling life, marked by diverse career experiences that ultimately led him to find his true passion in the funeral industry.
 
A man of many talents, Dick pursued various occupations throughout his lifetime. From working at Smith's Transfer in Verona, at the Staunton and Augusta Correctional Facilities, to tending to the family farm, Bellemonte in Churchville where he raised his family, Dick’s work ethic and dedication shone through. However, it was his role as a licensed funeral director and embalmer that truly resonated with him. He extended his expertise as a trade embalmer for numerous funeral homes across the region and he retired from Jones Funeral Home in Winchester after eight years of service and then relocated back to Staunton. Once there, it was not long before he began a second career at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, which began in February 1996. His employment spanned an impressive twenty-three years during which he continued to establish himself as a consummate professional known for his compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to serving others.
 
Dick's educational background includes graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1961 – a milestone that laid the foundation for his successful career in the funeral industry. Beyond his professional endeavors, he honorably served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, showcasing his commitment to both his country and those in need.
 

Outside of work and service, Dick immersed himself in various interests and activities that brought him joy. A member of York Lodge No. 266 F&AM in Pennsylvania and attended Waynesboro's Lee Lodge No. 209 A.F. & A.M., Dick embodied kindness and grace in all interactions. He had a profound love for gardening, food, and traveling—an enthusiasm he shared with his beloved wife, Helen and his best friend, Bob Corbin. The inseparable pair cherished their time together and made countless memories filled with love and laughter. Dick was also an active member of Saint Paul's Church in Staunton where his faith guided him throughout life.
 
He is survived by his children, Lisa Lynn Bartenslager, Arthur Conway Bartenslager and his wife, Ruth, Brock Orr Bartenslager and his wife, Melissa, and John Talmon Bartenslager and his wife, Kelly; his sisters, Ann Hanger, Linda Henry, and Pamela Michael; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Virginia Arthur Bartenslager, who passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, as well as his grandson, Jeb Tanner Rippey Bartenslager; and his sister, Margaret "Tunie" Joan Bartenslager Robinson.
 
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. A funeral service will directly follow at 3:30 PM with the Reverend Ryan Oswald officiating. Interment will be private with military and Masonic honors at Green Hill Cemetery in Churchville.
 
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dick's sons and grandsons.
 
It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association (PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692) and Legacy Hospice (14 Old Oaks Drive Ste. 101 Fishersville, VA 22939).