Larry Dean Bartlett
BARTLETT, LUCK, DODDS, THOMAS
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 8/31/2021 at 07:45:59
Larry Dean Bartlett, JD, PhD (BSE)
May 26, 1942 - August 26, 2021Larry Bartlett slipped quietly into the arms of the Great Spirit for his next adventure on August 26, 2021. On a clear night you will find him as the 400 thousandth star to the left in the Milky Way. He was born in Denison, Iowa on May 26, 1942. He was adamant that growing up in a small town in Iowa, specifically Denison, was perfect.
Larry was an advocate, a scholar, a lawyer, a judge, a gardener, a friend and a colleague. However, Larry considered himself, first and foremost a teacher: an important and good profession. He began his professional career teaching social studies at Bryant High School in Omaha, NE (1964). He obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1974 and became the legal counsel for the Iowa Department of Public Instruction. He completed his PhD in educational administration at Iowa State University in 1983. In 1985 Bartlett began his 25-year tenure at the University of Iowa where he combined a wealth of information from the field of law with his passion for special education.
In addition to his work at the University, Bartlett served as an administrative law judge for special education in Iowa as well as for the Bureau of Indian Education in the Western part of the US. He worked tirelessly with parents, teachers, administrators and students to ensure educational equity and inclusion.
Larry never gave less than his best effort, never spoke poorly of others, he was slow to anger and quick to collaborate. He never sought the center of attention but was always a thoughtful observer. He radiated wit and sarcasm, spunk and spice. He loved flowers, birds, cats and organizing anything to the smallest detail. He was a firework fanatic, becoming certified as a pyrotechnic engineer in order to provide years of neighborhood 4th of July celebrations.
After a courtship that highlighted Larry's patience and persistence, he married Gayle Luck in 1988. Thus began his work on his final degree, BSE, or Best Spouse Ever. He described her as "smart, funny, cute and a real handful!" She described him as, "compassionate, brilliant, honest, and a little bit up tight!" Embracing their completely different backgrounds and totally opposite scores on the MMPI, they set off in search of joy! Years of travel, discoveries and adventures followed. He was a devoted and loving husband who provided frequent creative and witty surprises.
His sons are Matthew Bartlett (Sharon) of Stoughton, WI and Bradley Bartlett of Florida. Celebrating his love and life are those who chose to love him: Gayle Luck, Kirsten Dodds (Dale) Rochester, MN; Alex Thomas, St. Paul, MN; Eric Thomas (Cathy) of Hailey, Idaho. Eight grandchildren remain to add spice and excitement to the world.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Verl Bartlett and his brother, John Bartlett.
A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a future date. Memorials can be made to Iowa City Hospice, CommUnity Iowa City and the American Alzheimer's Association.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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