George Albert Louis Bartnik, 93 of Braidwood, passed away on Tuesday June 21, 2016 at Heritage Health in Streator.

He was born October 10, 1922 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Chicago to the late Adam Joseph Bartnik and Anastasia (Ledin) Bartnik.
George lived at 5120 S. Whipple Street in the family home built by his grandfather Albert Ledin. He attended Sawyer Avenue Grade School. He was one of the original Chicago Motor Club crossing guards. He attended Thomas Kelly High School, graduating in 1940. He was a member of the band and the orchestra, and the R.O.T.C., qualifying as a sharp shooter. He attended John Marshall Law School for pre-legal courses. He then attended the College of Advanced Traffic graduating with a degree in Traffic Management.

He enlisted in 1943 with the Army Air Corp., soloed in a Stearman at Chesterfield, Mo. He went on to San Marcos Navigation School graduating in August, 1944. He joined the B-17 Crew and flew to England. He was a member of the 8th Air Force 388th Bomb Group, 560th Squadron. They were shot down over Germany on February 20, 1945 and he became a P.O.W. He received The Purple Heart.

A fellow Serviceman wrote to George: "Tell him we always depended on him to get us where we were headed and he always equaled that trust and brought us back to base. Thank him for what he did for his country and for his crew, and tell him there were no quitters in our crew, even during the worst of times. Tell him Ellis' crew said to "Carry On". Give him my personal hello and "Keep 'Em Flyin".

George joined Liquid Carbonic Corporation in May 1942 as a mail boy. After 45 years he retired in February 1987 as Vice President International Division Liquid Carbonic CBI.

He was founder and a member of Country Club Hills Volunteer Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant. He served as trustee for the newly formed Fire Protection District for several terms. He also served as member of the city's Fire and Police Protection board. He served as Alderman for the 3rd Ward in Country Club Hills, IL. He was a member of the Braidwood Zoning Board for several terms. He was a member of the Three Rivers Yacht Club and the V.F.W. Wilmington.

Surviving are his five sons: George P. (Ann) Bartnik of Chattanooga, Tn., Marc Bartnik of Traverse City, MI., Thomas (Lisa) Bartnik of Mokena, IL., Joseph (Kathy) Bartnik, Odell, IL. , and Paul (Dianne) Bartnik, Rutledge, Tn.; eleven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives. He is also survived by his former wife Margot Bowman, good friend Joe Faletti and guardian angels Diana Kuehni and Jake Etzkorn.

Memorials may be made in George's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral service will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood on Friday June 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Show Reddy Allam officiating. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. also at the church.

Online guestbook available at www.ferrarifuneral.com