John E. Bartlett, born on August 25, 1948, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was received in his eternal home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

John's life and legacy will be honored and celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel, located at 7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Dad, Papa, John, Johnny, or Big John were some of the names he answered to. He was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. It wasn't long into the conversation with him that he had some joke, history lesson, or way to make you smile before he went on his way.

His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and faith. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember his life for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John Eugene Bartlett was born to Virgil and Selma (Fladness) Bartlett in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was raised in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1966. After graduation, John continued his education, earning a bachelor's degree in Social Work and is a proud alumnus of Augustana University.

On June 16, 1979, John married the love of his life, Marilyn Wilson, in Sioux City, Iowa. The couple lived in Sioux Falls and was blessed with two children, Nick and Danielle.

Throughout his life, John held various positions, all of which were people-focused, and he used his gift of conversation to connect with anyone. He took great pride in serving as the Director of The Boys Club for many years and helping establish The Girls Club in Sioux Falls. Later, some of his primary roles included traveling as the National Sales Manager for Black Hills Gold Co. and Sunset Mountain Candle Co., and then as Regional Sales Manager for Bickle Sales. John officially retired from Active Generations in January 2025.

John wasn't just active in the community; he loved his community, and his desire to bring light to those in need epitomized his joyful and generous nature. If there was a volunteer position to be filled, he was on it, from the start of the Avera Cancer Race, Meals on Wheels, and providing transportation services for Workers on Wheels (WOW). He grew up attending Leif Erickson Camp, eventually becoming a camp counselor and even helping to make the paddleboards at Camp Tepetonka.

Family meant everything to John.  He was the proudest Papa, and if you ever spoke to him, it was a good chance you heard about his two grandchildren. His special bond with them was certainly one to be jealous of; teaching them card games (they won a lot), ice cream after school, mini golf on the weekends, and haircuts are a few of their favorites. Family trips to Minnesota for a week-long stay, during which they looked for eagles, were a tradition that dated back 36 years, and the boys' fishing trips to Canada were unmissable. Simple moments, like dancing in the kitchen or playing cribbage or Scrabble, were a few common moments we will cherish. He had a green thumb and was also passionate about cooking, and his family often remarked that the best food could be found at "Johnny's Bistro."

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Marilyn Bartlett; son, Nick (Stacey) Bartlett; daughter, Danielle Bartlett; and grandchildren, Wayland and Lauren Bartlett, all of Sioux Falls. John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Bonnie (Steve) Crary of Sioux City, IA; brothers-in-law, Rick (friend Maggie) Wilson of Colorado Springs, CO and Jim (Angie) Wilson of Sioux City, IA; nephews, Sean (Jill) Crary, Tanner and Trent Wilson; nieces, Sarah (Sam) Gomez and Tori Wilson; and one sister, Carol (Lynel) Pipgras; nieces, Heather (Brad) Madison and Heidi Pipgras. He is also survived by a host of others who were not just friends, but family whom he cherished beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Selma Bartlett, and his beloved mother-in-law, Edna Wilson, who held a very special place in his heart.

John's life and legacy will be honored and celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home and Cremation - Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, before the service.