Robert Eugene (Bob) Bartels, former president, chief executive officer and chairman of Martin's Super Markets, died July 17. He was 78.

Mr. Bartels was a 51-year employee of Martin’s. His wife, Nancy, was a daughter of the company’s founders, the late Jane (Cary) and Martin Tarnow. Mr. Bartels served as president and CEO of Martin’s beginning in 1973, and as chairman beginning in 2005.

In 1964, Mr. Bartels was given the opportunity to join Martin’s Super Markets as a right-hand executive with the company. With his wife as a partner and trusted confidante, Mr. Bartels led Martin’s Super Markets through many challenges and changes during his tenure. Robert Eugene (Bob) Bartels

Under his leadership, the company grew from a “mom and pop” business into a fully functioning corporation, and the Martin’s Team grew, developed, and matured into a professional, innovative team. The company added 19 new stores, relocated six and completed countless updates and remodeling projects under his watch.

He also oversaw the introductions of many of the company’s most popular features, such as Side Door Deli Cafes, Starbucks Coffee kiosks, catering and more.

Mr. Bartels was born on May 29, 1937, to the late Martin H. and Verna K. (Conklin) Bartels. He is survived by his daughter, Amy Jo (Jim) Stoll;  son, Rob Bartels; seven grandchildren, Robert, Andrew and William Bartels, and James, Samantha, Emma and Nancy Jo Stoll; and two sisters-in-law, Suellen Leslie and Liz Meyer.  Mr. Bartels was predeceased by his wife, Nancy; and a brother, Richard.

Mr. Bartels attended DeKalb High School and Purdue University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1959.  He joined General Electric and served in assignments in various East Coast cities.  While visiting a fraternity brother in 1962, Mr. Bartels met his future wife on a blind date. 

Mr. Bartels also served his community and industry in many roles, including past trustee of Stanley Clark School; past director of St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce; past director of YMCA; past trustee of Project Future; and various titles, including chairman of the Food Marketing Institute.  He was instrumental in expanding Martin’s commitment to its communities, with fundraisers such as Heat for Homes, Roofsit, Advantages for Education and student scholarship programs, both public and private.

Mr. Bartels enjoyed golf, skiing and piloting his planes.  He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren.  He was an inspiration and source of encouragement and friendship to his colleagues at Martin’s, which number in the thousands.

In lieu of flowers, honorary donations for multiple sclerosis research can be made to University of Texas HSC Houston, ℅ Lucie Lambert,  Department of Neurology, 6431 Fannin Street, Suite 7.044, Houston, TX, 77030.