Mathias J. Bartels, 16
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Mathias Jessup Bartels, 16, of 42 Thomas St. died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at home.
Born in Munich, Germany, on June 5, 1987, son of Thomas H. and Elizabeth Heekin Bartels, he attended Williamstown Elementary School, where he received the Helen Renzi Citizenship Award.
A student at Mount Greylock Regional High School, Mathias was at the top of his junior class, a National Merit Scholar Finalist for the 2005 program and on the honor roll each semester from 1999 to the present.
He was a member of the 2004 Massachusetts Nordic State Ski Team and a 2004 varsity soccer captain.
He received an individual first-place ski award at the 2003 Stowe (Vt.) Derby and participated in many student organizations and volunteer causes, including those at St. Patrick's Church, of which he was a communicant.
Despite all of his achievements as an exemplary scholar, athlete and citizen, Mathias knew what is truly important - being a loving son, brother and friend. He brought the greatest joy to all those who knew him, said family. Kind, wise, honest, strong, funny and brave, he was an inspiration to the world.
Besides his parents, he leaves two brothers, Philip Bartels, at home, and David Bartels of Princeton, N.J.; his grandparents, James R. and Jane Heekin of Williamstown, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A memorial service for Mr. Bartels at St. Patrick's Church will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 1. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to the Williams Inn for a time of informal remembrance and fellowship.
Burial will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10 at South Williamstown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent in his name to the GAP Fund, P.O. Box 615, Williamstown, MA 01267, or to St. Patrick's Church for weekend Meals on Wheels, through GEORGE M. HOPKINS FUNERAL HOME, 61-67 Spring St.