Daniel Bartels Obituary

BARTELS, Daniel Gordon, 55, of Hanover, VA, departed this dimension peacefully on September 6, 2023 at 4:44 a.m. with his wife and dog by his side. His unexpected journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was neither late nor early, arriving precisely when he was meant to at 8:55 a.m. on March 10, 1968. Daniel was infinitely inquisitive as a child and found creative outlets in The Cincinnati Boy's Choir, The Children's Theater of Cincinnati, nature, books, and mischievous side quests with friends. As a young adult, he learned the construction and electric trades from his father, Gene, and developed an enduring love of working with his hands. He found gratification whether he was installing a circuit board, rocking out on guitar, restoring a rare Central Asian textile, designing a robot with students, or building a fence for his family.

In his life-long quest for wisdom, Daniel received Bachelor's degrees in Math and Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a Master's in Integrated STEM Education at Virginia Tech. Given more time in life, he would have enjoyed pursuing a PhD. Daniel began his teaching career in 2002 at Hanover County Public Schools, where he was introduced to FIRST Robotics, thus beginning one of the epic chapters of his life. In 2004, Daniel and a small group of students established Team 1522, Defenders of the Multiverse, at Hanover High. Over the next decade, Daniel focused on growing a project-based learning environment that empowered students as leaders navigating their own successes and setbacks with the support of peers, coaches, and mentors. In 2015, Daniel reached for the stars and landed his dream job at The Collegiate School where he used his superpowers to develop an integrated K-12 STEAM curriculum and ignite the flame of robotics in Team 5804, Torch. Through robotics, he formed life-long friendships with students and colleagues who shared his enthusiasm for teamwork, problem-solving, and elegant design. Daniel has been described as a disruptor in the best sense of the word. He was deeply committed to fostering a learning culture of innovation and collaboration while asking hard questions and challenging himself and others to reexamine our assumptions and understanding.

When he wasn't sharing the universe through teaching, Daniel loved to explore the outdoors, create music, and engage in mind-bending conversations with friends old and new. He had a constellation of hobbies and experiences that intersected with many kind, unique humans across his lifetime. From 1991 until his death, Daniel played guitar with Richmond indie rock band The Technical Jed. Bandmates Clarence "Clancy" Fraher, David Bush, and Steve Brooking were instrumental in keeping Daniel dreaming of the future even during the dark days of cancer.

Daniel leaves behind a cosmic crew: his gravity-defying wife, Kate Noon; his stellar daughter, Rehme Isabella "Izzy" Bartels; his out-of-this-world son, Dylan Jude Bartels; and his caring sister, Kelley Bartels LeClaire (Jean-Paul LeClair); brother-in-laws David Noon, James Noon (Nathalie), and Daniel Noon (Gosia); nieces and nephews Audrey, Orrin, Max, Maya, Patrick, and Zoey. Left to look for him longingly are beloved dog Scout and cats Merlin, Bluebird, Luci, and Ziggy. Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Gene Arthur Bartels and Eileen Rehme Bartels, a brother Thomas Alan Bartels, and a special uncle, Kenneth Alan Rehme.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, students, former students, and community members who supported Daniel and his family through the cancer journey. A special appreciation to the wonderful people at The Collegiate School, Virginia Cancer Institute, At Home Care & Hospice, and Midwives for Haiti.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2 p.m. on the campus of The Collegiate School in Richmond, VA. Daniel's passions can be kept alive through the financial support of The Collegiate STEAM and robotics programs and Midwives for Haiti.

Daniel's ability to inspire others to dream and his appreciation for all things extraordinary will forever be imprinted on our hearts. Let us remember him with a smile and a wink, for he has left us with a universe of memories to treasure. May he journey among the stars, forever exploring the great unknown.