Danny Mason Bartels, a man whose life was a beautiful medley of classic cars, rock and roll, and an enduring love for his hometown, passed away at 11:00 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Parkside Health Care Center. He was 71 years old.

Born on October 20, 1954, to the late Harry William and Dorothy Elizabeth (née Sihawk) Bartels, Danny was a true son of Salem. A proud 1974 graduate of Salem Senior High School, he spent his entire life rooted in the community he loved, building a legacy of hard work and quiet kindness.

For 30 years, Danny was the backbone of the General Motors Assembly plant in Lordstown. A man of remarkable consistency, he worked the afternoon shift for his entire tenure, a steady presence that his colleagues and family could always rely on.

Danny's soul was fueled by the roar of an engine and the strum of a guitar. In his younger years he  visited many Nascar tracks with is brother-in-law Bill and enjoyed going to car shows. Danny was fortuante enough, in 2011, to purchase one of his favorite cars, a 1965 Chevy Impala. He and his wife, Marie, enjoyed 10 years of fun with it, meeting lots of amazing people at the car shows along the way. He had a deep appreciation for the way things were built and spent many happy hours tinkering around his home, fixing what was broken and perfecting what wasn't.

When the tools were put away, the music began. An avid fan of classic rock—especially the Eagles—Danny loved to pick up his guitar and lose himself in the music. Whether he was cheering on the Cleveland Browns and Guardians or aiming for a strike at the bowling alley, Danny approached his hobbies with the same genuine enthusiasm he brought to his friendships.

His legacy of strength and gentleness lives on through his wife of 47 years, Marie Annette (Raneri) Bartels whom he married July 29, 1978; his son, Bryan David Bartels of Salem; and his sisters, Nancy (William) Hamilton and Wendy Anzelmo, both of Salem.

Services will be Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30 AM at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services of Salem, with Rev. Pete Fowler of the Salem First Friends Church officiating. A time for visitation will be 9:30-10:30 at the funeral home. Danny will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Beloit.

Danny Mason Bartels taught us that there is profound beauty in a steady job, a classic car, and a life centered around the ones you love. Every time an Eagles song plays on the radio or a vintage Chevy catches your eye, think of Danny and smile.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Danny's honor be sent to Salem First Friends Church 1028 Jennings Ave. Salem, Ohio 44460 or Alzheimer's Foundation of America 322 8th Ave, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001.