Ralph Harold Bartlett

Ralph ""Bart"" Bartlett was born in Denison, Iowa July 31, 1924, the son of William and Lena Bohnker Bartlett. Bart was the youngest of eight children, six brothers and one sister. Bart received his education in the Denison School District. In his early years he worked on the family farm, setting posts for the telegraph company and installing tracks for the railroad. Bart joined the Marine Corps when he was 18 years old, and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Following the war he attended college first at Upper Iowa University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and then at the University of Iowa where he received his Masters Degree in Recreation Management. In 1950, Bart married Janet McMillen and during their 15 years of marriage they raised two sons, Jeff and Jerry. Bart was a loving father who enjoyed taking his sons on many camping trips and hikes. Bart moved to Denver in 1958 and worked for the Veterans Administration for 30 years as the Recreation Director. He assisted in rehabilitating many war veterans from many different wars. Whether the veteran was heavy weight champ Joe Louis or just a farm boy from the Midwest, Bart worked to make sure they all got the help and care they needed to become contributing members to society. Bart met Hanni G. Cohen at the VA Hospital. Hanni was working for the E.K.G department and they often crossed paths when they caught each other's fancy. They shared 47 years together. They enjoyed many years together vacationing, walking, biking, snow shoeing, tennis and swimming. They both competed in Senior Olympics and they have many senior gold medals to show for it. Bart is survived by his son Jeff, his wife Maura and grandsons Jeffrey and William; his son Jerry, his wife Denise and grandchildren Teddy and Maeve; soul mate and lifelong companion Hanni G. Cohen; her sons; Elon and grandchildren Alex and Talia, her son Steve and his wife Robin and grandchildren Sarah and Jacob. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Ralph H. Bartlett passed quietly October 22 at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer Assisted Living Center in Aurora, Colorado. Bart was 91. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers; please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association or a Veteran Group of choice . Please also consider the Denver Hospice, whose assistance was greatly appreciated. Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery will be at 1:15 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2015.