Nellie Bartusch – San Diego Union-Tribune

Nellie Bartusch

OBITUARY

Nellie I. Bartusch, 86, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Born on June 19, 1939, she spent part of her early years in Grygla, Minnesota before returning to Chicago, where she became a mother to five boys. Later, moving to Arizona in the ’80s before making San Diego her home.

She was a gifted artist who loved every medium, from quilting, gemstones, glassblowing, gardening, and crafts. Her paintings were displayed in galleries and her talent was featured in newspapers. She could be found frequenting thrift stores collecting pieces of art, and books that she displayed in every inch of her home.

She was exceptionally bright and earned her master’s degree from San Diego State University. Eventually working, and dedicating her professional life to SDSU, where she retired.

Nellie was a woman full of warmth, kindness, and generosity. She had boundless intelligence, and an endless thirst for knowledge. Her legacy of education and learning will be carried forward by those who had the privilege to be loved by her. Her life will be a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

She is survived by her sons Greg, Glenn, and Paul Bartusch; her grandchildren Greg, Andrew, Caroline Silva, and Katelyn Marie Amrhein and her family; her great-grandson Sol Silva; and her brothers Dave and Lee Ortlepp.

In her final act, she chose to donate her body to science, often saying, “Why give my body to the worms, when it can help to cure cancer.”

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.