On September 6, 2011 we received word that Duane's brother Charles Howard Bartle passed into his next life. Today, September 12, 2011, his funeral service was held. It was a very beautiful service and we felt as if his memory had really been honored.
Chuck was a retired fire fighter and so the fire department came to honor him. There was a honor guard ceremony which was very moving. They presented the colors and then two of the fire fighters took the flag off the coffin, folded it and presented it to his wife, Dyanne.
Then a group of bagpipers played. That was also very moving.
Here are some of the fire fighters who attended. Duane conducted the service and also spoke. Heidi gave the opening prayer and I gave the closing prayer. His son Karl, gave the eulogy.
After the service, we all drove to Boulder City to the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery where he was laid to rest.
Duane's sister Darla, and her daughter Katherine flew out from Wisconsin.
Once we were at the cemetery, another tribute by an honor guard was done but this time from the Navy since Chuck served in the Navy. It was also very moving.
They also took another flag from the coffin
and folded it
and presented it to Dyanne. He said quietly to her, something like this, "In behalf of the President of the United States, we present this flag to you for the service your husband rendered to his country."
There were lots of beautiful flowers.
Duane then dedicated the grave.
After they lowered it, Dyanne threw a flower in and each of us in turn threw another flower in to join hers. We want Dyanne and her son Karl to know that they are in our prayers at this difficult time. We, along with them, are proud of the good man that Chuck was and are pleased with such a beautiful service to honor him.
