Samuel L. Bartel

Samuel Louis Bartel, 6 months, earned his angel wings and flew to heaven, wrapped in the arms of his mother, father, and big sister, on February 26, 2016. Sam was born on August 8, 2015, 3.5 months early, to Luke and Alissa (Geiger) Bartel, and was a warrior from the beginning. Sam was born with a congenital heart defect, and endured countless procedures and 2 open heart surgeries in an attempt to fix his sweet heart. Sam surprised everyone with his warrior fighting spirit, and has been called a miracle by many. He loved to smile, especially at his family. He also loved to play on his playmat with his brother, laugh at his big sister and watch his two dogs. Sam’s heart is finally fixed and perfect, but ours will forever be broken until we are reunited with him again.

Sam is survived by his parents, big sister Ellie, and twin brother Harrison; grandparents, Chip and Mary Geiger, Laura DAgnolo and Mike Bartel (Nancy Parrinello); great grandparents, Jennie Ciembronowicz and Louis and Betty DAgnolo; aunts and uncles, Justin and Jaci Geiger, Courtney Geiger, Trent Geiger (Jessica Huls), Ashley and Kyle Rogers and Drew Bartel (Katie Burke; cousins, Jonathon, Greta, Griffin, Madeleine, Alyssa, and Emmalynn and numerous special friends that he has met in his short life. Samuel was welcomed and walked into the kingdom of heaven by his big sister, Avery Jennie, along with many other family and friends who went before him.

The family wishes to thank all the nurses who have taken care of Sam throughout his life, in Rockford, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Their loving care of Sam and his family will always be remembered. They also wish to thank Dr. Gillian Headley and Dr. Suhaib Kazmouz, who took such wonderful care of Samuel throughout his life.

Funeral Mass Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St. Rockford, IL. Visitation Friday, March 4 from 4-8pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Per family request, Guests are encouraged to wear their Sam's sweet heart shirts to the visitation or funeral. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com