Richard Gerald Bartolowits

Richard Gerald Bartolowits of Caro, age 38, lost his courageous ten-year battle with cancer on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He may have lost the battle, but he won the war and is now home in Heaven with the Lord and his beloved furbaby, Rosco. Rich was born on January 3, 1986, in Fort Stewart, Hinesville, Georgia, the son of Tina & Daniel D. (Nowak) Cole and Richard H. Bartolowits. He graduated from Reese High School with the class of 2004 and went on to earn his associate degree in applied science from Delta College. On April 18, 2009, Rich married the love of his life and soulmate, the former Raechel Babich. They had a marriage blessed with many cherished memories and love. Rich worked for over twenty years in the automotive industry and for the past six years he was a Master Automotive Technician for Bell Wasik. He belonged to the Deford Community Church and had a deep love of God, cherishing his many talks with Pastor Cooper and his cousin, Greg. When Rich opened his heart to God and had a more meaningful relationship with him, his whole life changed. His goal in life was to be a witness to his family and friends for how much God’s love can impact you. Rich was a member of the Caro Gun Club, NRA, and was recently inducted into the Babich Hunting Club. In his spare time, you could always find Rich rebuilding transmissions, working on small engines, and taking his tractor for a ride to get the mail. He was a classic video game master and could beat any game you put in front of him. Rich loved to spend time with his nieces and nephews and take them for rides in the gator, going through a mud puddle or two. He was hardworking, intelligent, and a wealth of knowledge; Rich only needed to see something once and he remembered it for life. He had a huge heart and was the best at giving the most meaningful and memorable gifts; not to mention he was an avid Amazon shopper. Rich had a deep love for his wife and family. They were the heartbeat of his existence, the light that guided him through the darkest of days. His unwavering devotion and selflessness knew no bounds. In addition to his wife, Raechel, closest to his heart were their dogs, who were more than pets—they were his cherished and loyal companions, his beloved children. Their playful antics and unwavering loyalty brought boundless joy and comfort to Rich's life, weaving themselves into the very essence of his being. Though Rich may have bid farewell to this world, his spirit lives on in the memories he leaves behind—in the roar of an engine brought back to life, in the warmth of a family united in love, and in the playful wag of a dog's tail. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rich leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy, his loving wife, Raechel; parents, Tina & Daniel Cole; father, Richard Bartolowits; siblings & their spouses, Matt & Megan Bartolowits and Lyndsay & Bruce Aulbert; father and mother-in-law, Timothy & Deborah (Smith) Babich; brothers-in-law & their spouses, Brett & Kara Babich and Austin & Jill Babich; nieces and nephews, Hudson, Brielle, Bruce Jr., Autumn, and Jackson; grandparents, Gerald & Paula Nowak, Richard & Eleanor Bartolowits, Bonnie Cole, Bernard & Lynn Babich, Susan Smith, and David & Rinda Smith; lots and lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and his dogs, who were his & Raechel’s children, Lucy, Diesel, Samson, and Loki. Rich was preceded in death by his grandpa, Julian Cole; and his dogs, Rosco and Buck.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Deford Community Church with Rev. David Cooper officiating. Rich’s family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Raechel Bartolowits, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.