Joseph R. Bartelheim, 74, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021. He was born on March 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph H. Bartelheim and Elizabeth I. (Wilkening) Bartelheim Lale. He graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1965 and Blackburn College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Later, Joseph earned two Masters degrees, one in Business Administration from Governors State University in 1980 and one in Criminal Justice and Urban Police Management from the University of Cincinnati in 1989.

Joe began his 27-year career with the FBI in 1970. As a Special Agent, he held assignments in New Orleans, New York City, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Myrtle Beach. Joe attended language school at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, to become proficient in the Polish language prior to his post in Chicago. In 1984, Joe attained the necessary credentials to serve as an APA accredited Polygraph Examiner for the Bureau. From 1992-1994, Joe served as an instructor in the Management Sciences department at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Joe retired from active duty in 1997, but always regarded his years of service as some of the best years of his life.

Upon retirement, Joe shifted his focus to the golf course, his grandchildren, and the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. Instead of chasing criminals, Joe chased a little white ball across the green. Instead of driving a Bureau car across town to interview a witness, he logged many miles cruising to Georgia to visit his grandchildren. But Joe was always mindful of our God-appointed purpose in life. He felt called to serve the incarcerated lost. Their past experiences did not scare him away, and he faithfully served as a prison ministry volunteer for 12 years leading Bible studies for local inmates.

Joe leaves behind a great legacy for those who knew and loved him. He is remembered as a defender of truth and justice and a true patriot; a man with a great love of country. He modeled a life of delayed personal gratification that enabled abundant, joy-filled generosity toward others. His strong work ethic and personal disciplines were inspirational to many. For many years his body was physically strong; he ran half-marathons for fun. But when his body failed him, his faith did not. When Joe took his final earthly breath, he opened his eyes in Heaven in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, a step-father, Louis L. Lale, and his brother, Robert H. Bartelheim.

He is survived by a daughter, Amy E. Ediger and her husband, Jerry W. Ediger; two grandchildren, Benjamin J. Ediger and Maggie E. Ediger, all of Hull, Georgia. He is also survived by a niece, Kristi A. Bartelheim; and a nephew, Charles J. Bartelheim, both of Chicago, Illinois.

Private services will be held at a later time.

Condolences(5)

Kenny Noblett says
December 31, 2021 at 8:36 pm

I was blessed to serve with FBI Joe for several years at the Henderson Co Det Center. His faithful service will not go unnoticed by those he served and by His Lord. I was able to sit in on his last class for the inmates where he humbly to his story of the grace of God in the life if an ordinary man. Thanks to to God for FBI Joe.
Chaplain Kenny Noblett
Henderson Co Det Center
Henderson KY
Alan Wood says
January 9, 2022 at 4:48 pm

While I was the chaplain of HCDC and VCCC, Joe was a faithful volunteer in both facilities. Joe was highly respected by both inmates, staff and myself. He played a significant role in the lives of countless inmates over the many years of his service. We’ll miss you brother!
Donna Kaszynski and Nancy Docz says
January 16, 2022 at 6:57 pm

My condolences to Amy and family, your dad died much too young. We were close as children but time and distance changed that relationship. I hope your memories are good ones, mine are and cannot be diminished. My love to you all.
Donna Kaszynski says
January 16, 2022 at 7:09 pm

Amy and family, our condolences on the loss of your father, he is gone much too soon. Jody, as we knew him was practically a brother while we were growing up. Unfortunately, time and distance changed that relationship – but not the memories. Keep your memories of your dad close to your heart, they cannot be diminished.
Maryann Medford Webb says
September 15, 2023 at 12:28 pm

Joe/Jody was one of my first friends (and lasting friend) when my family moved to the Willow Rd/183 St. neighborhood in Homewood in the summer of 1963, before our sophomore year at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. I last saw Joe at one of our high school reunions, maybe #25 or #30? It was like old times with all the kids from the neighborhood gathered together! I did not go to the last reunion, Sept 2023, and asked if Joe had been there. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing! He was a sweetheart and will be remembered for a long time.

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Joseph R. Bartelheim

March 12, 1947 - December 27, 2021

Condolences(5)

Kenny Noblett says

Alan Wood says

Donna Kaszynski and Nancy Docz says

Donna Kaszynski says

Maryann Medford Webb says

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