Irene Josephine Bartel Irene Josephine Bartel, affectionately called Jo by those who knew her well, was born to J.E. and Marie Klassen on January 12, 1921 in Borden, Saskatchewan. She was their first born, to be joined by siblings: Jim, Harold Robert, Charles, Helen, and Don. Her father was a contractor, and her mother was a homemaker, well known for her chicken noodle soup. Growing up, Jo worked alongside her mother to help feed and clothe the family, developing the skills of cooking, baking, canning, sewing, and cleaning—skills that would serve her well when she married Ernest Bartel, a local farmer. Ernie and Jo both graduated from Wasco High School and married on October 5, 1941, settling in a home on land owned by the Bartel family, at the corner of Prospect and Central in Wasco, California. They had two children Beverly Jo and Norman Sol. The family attended the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church in Shafter, Ca. When the church decided to establish another congregation, Ernie and Jo became charter members of the Wasco Mennonite Church. They helped build the church building where Jo taught Sunday School for many years, and also served on the church council. Jo's hobbies included custom tailoring, upholstery, lampshade making, and later stained glass. When Ernie died at the age of 57, Jo decided she needed to venture out into the world of work outside the family home. She was initially employed at Biofirm in Wasco. However, she is probably best known in Wasco for her service to North Kern Christian School as their principal for a number of years. Jo loved children and they loved her. They were never afraid to visit the principal's office. Jo is survived by her brother, Don Klassen and his wife LaVonne; her sister-in-law Twila Klassen; her daughter, Bev and husband Gary Wiens; her daughter-in-law, Marcia; 4 grand children, and 10 great grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Ernie; her parents; her son, Norman; brothers, Harold Robert, Jim and wife Maxine, Chuck; her sister, Helen and husband Leroy; her brother-in-law Harvey and wife Ann; her sister-in-law Ann and husband Bill, and 2 nieces. A memorial service will be held at Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church on Friday, January 8, 2015 beginning at 11:00am. Randy Gaffner will officiate the service and interment will be private.