Donald "Bear" Monroe Bartee

BATTLE CREEK – Donald “Bear” M. Bartee, 79, of Battle Creek, NE passed away on January 15, 2025 at UNMC in Omaha, NE. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Donald was born on August 30,1945 in Lancaster, Ohio to Donald and Dorothy (Shaner) Bartee. In 1955, his family relocated to Battle Creek, NE, where he graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1963. Following graduation, Donald joined the United States Air Force. After he was honorably discharged, Donald worked for the Nebraska State Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office in Hasting, NE. In 1971 he moved back to Battle Creek where he and a partner ran Teg’s Keg Bar. Two years later he moved back to Hastings and opened Big Daddy’s Poor House Lounge. Onto the next adventure, he moved to Laughlin, NV where he thrived in the casino business. In 1988 he would move back to Grand Island, NE and opened a bar called The 2nd Street Slammer. In 1993 he moved to Deadwood S. Dakota for short time before returning to Laughlin in 1995. He became the Executive Casino Host at the Riverside Casino. He brought in big players and made the pit a success. He loved playing poker and even played in the WSOP in the early 2000’s. In 2015, he returned to Battle Creek to care for his mother and enjoy retirement. Donald loved to travel, golf, boat, and most of all loved to gamble-especially horse races. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Donald is survived by daughters Sheila (Jason) Speidel, Casie Jones, Donna Heathman, and Lini Chytka, as well as grandkids Jake (Makenna) Speidel, Nick Speidel, Ashley Jones, Megan Jones, Abby Heathman, Austin Heathman, and Payton Siebke. He is also survived by his nephew Randy Herndon, niece Sandy, and many others he considered family. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy, and his sister Blanche. Donald’s family was his pride and joy, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who loved him most. The family would like to say a special thanks to Bob and Helen Bartee for all their strength and support during this time. There will be a Celebration of Life held on April 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Kelly’s Country Club in Battle Creek, Nebraska.

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Donald "Bear" Monroe Bartee

August 30, 1945 - January 15, 2025