Gordon Barthen

Gordon W. Barthen, age 77, joined his sweetheart, Dort, on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2009. He was born June 11, 1931 in Bloomer to William & Dorothy (Feiten) Barthen. He married Dorothy “Dort” Seibel on August 19, 1952 in Bloomer. Gordie was a true romantic and loved to spoil the love of his life, Dort. He served in the Marines during the Korean War and played the clarinet in the Marine Band. In the 50s, he had the rare experience of marching with the Marine Band in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. Gordie & Dort owned & operated Barthen’s Bar & Café in Bloomer, a favorite stop for good food & fellowship. He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Bloomer American Legion. He enjoyed playing his clarinet & saxophone, playing cards, golfing, bowling, fishing, hunting, watching the Packers and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by three sons: Jeff (Bill McDonald) Barthen of Appleton, Bill Barthen of Burbank CA & Michael (Patsy) Barthen of Cedar Falls WI; two daughters: Terri (Ken) Harter of Marshfield & Cathy (Dean) Ruff of Bloomer; one sister: Sandra (David) Scritsmier of Waukesha; one aunt: Ivadell Battles of Waukesha; two uncles: Roger Feiten of New Auburn & Buddy Feiten of Milwaukee; 9 grandchildren: Matthew, Marc (Hannah), Elizabeth & Joseph Harter, Sarah (Eric) Evenson, Mindy (Joel) Breed, K’trina Ruff, Morgan & Davis Barthen; 3 great-grandchildren; close friend: Yvonne Rubenzer and her family; numerous other relatives & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Dort; one infant sister: Beverly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM At St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer with Father James Arthur officiating. Interment will be in the South Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer with graveside military rites performed by the Bloomer American Legion & VFW. Friends may call from 4:00 �" 8:00 on Tuesday at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer where there will be a Christian Wake Service at 7:30 PM.