Verner Andrew Bartosz

Verner departed this earth at his home with his wife Charlotte at his side. Born near Aumsville, he was the youngest of 5 children born to Edmond A. and Elizabeth C (Wunder) Bartosz. As a life-long resident of Aumsville, Vern received his education at West Stayton Grade School and Aumsville High School. After he finished school, he served a tour of duty with the Naval Reserves aboard the USS Rombach out of San Francisco in 1948. In 1950, Vern returned to the valley to work on the Bartosz family farm. Upon returning, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Carol Lynn White on August 5, 1950 in Salem at the St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. The two were married for nearly 69 years and had two sons. Verner and Charlotte operated the Honey Bee Drive-in in Stayton, a popular teenage hang out in Stayton from 1951 to 1953, working long hours preparing most of the menu from scratch. Being self-taught and a Jack-of-many-trades, he had little trouble finding work and served in many capacities over his working life. Stayton Police Chief Norfleet hired Verner in 1953 as an officer where he served for many years. Verner followed his tome as an officer in Stayton by becoming the Chief of Police in Aumsville working nights and weekends while holding a job working for the Simpson Plywood Company in Mehema where he worked until the mill closed in the late 1960’s. His talents as a mechanic landed him jobs with Jensen’s Arco in Turner, then the Burkland Lumber Company as the shop lead mechanic until 1979. In 1980 he began with the Etzel Farms near Turner, Oregon and remained there until a so-called retirement in 1993. His grandsons and other family members claimed, “He was the smartest man they ever knew and he could make anything.” As had been his history of working two or more jobs at the same time Verner was an independent business man known as B & B Welding Manufacturing in which he did a variety of welding projects for private parties. An accomplished carpenter, he built an addition to their home in Aumsville and did many projects for friends and family. It was not all work for Verner, believing that with work there needs to be some fun. Camping, water skiing, motorcycle riding, and snowmobiling with family and friends were among the activities he enjoyed. The family spent time on the Siletz River fishing for the allusive salmon or on Netarts Bay trapping crab, which would be enjoyed with a cold beer. At age 69, Verner was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and courageously fought this unrelenting disease until his passing with class and a sense of humor that never left. Verner goes to join his two sons, Nick and Tim, his parents, his brother Edmond Bartosz Jr, and his sister Helen Sherman, all who preceded him in death. Verner leaves behind his wife Char, granddaughter Nicole White, grandsons Jacob and Joshua Bartosz, his brother Raymond Bartosz, his sister Frances Ruef, daughter-in-law Kathy Bartosz, along with many nieces and nephews. Contributions can be made in Memory of Verner Bartosz to the Santiam Memorial Hospital Scholarship fund, Stayton, Oregon, or the Salem Friends of Felines. Verner will be remembered at a Celebration of Life with family and friends at a future date.