\r\n\r\nAnita B. Barthels, age 93, of Eau Claire, entered into eternal glory Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Dove Health Care West. \r\nShe was born August 24, 1917 to Pastor Frederick C. and Marie (Roepke) Zarling in Rockford, MN. During her childhood she also lived in Zumbrota and Renville, MN and Iron Ridge, WI.\r\nAfter college Anita taught in rural schools in Dodge County, Wisconsin from 1937 to 1940. \r\nOn October 20, 1940, in Iron Ridge, WI, Anita married Pastor George A. Barthels formerly of Mishicot, Wisconsin. They were blessed with 50 years of marriage and 10 children. She was a devoted wife and mother. \r\nAs a minister's wife, she dedicated her life in service to her Lord at congregations at Allenton, and Burlington, WI, Red Wing, Sleepy Eye, and Okabena, MN.\r\nLater in life Anita volunteered at Messiah Lutheran School of Eau Claire for many years. She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church. \r\nShe also did child care at the Human Services Department and volunteered at Luther Hospital as a member of Step Force.\r\nAnita is survived by three daughters, Eunice (Martin) Albrecht of Eau Claire, WI, Lois (Victor) Wente of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Doris (David) Theneman of Sleepy Eye, MN; four sons, Pastor Ted (Denise) of Austin, MN, Leonard (Sandy) of Eau Claire, Daniel (Kathy) of Saginaw, MI, and Jerome (Ruth) of Tulsa, OK; brother-in-law, Oscar (Hazel) Barthels and sister-in-law, Ruth Zarling, both of Mishicot, WI; 32 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1990; son Lyle (1999); son, Martin (1950); an infant son (1942); sisters, Lillian Zarling and Irene Scharf; and two brothers, Rev. Waldemar Zarling and Rev. Frederic Zarling.\r\nVisitation will be held on Monday, May 30, 2011, from 4 to 7 PM at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Interment will be at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Victory Service will follow at 1 PM, Tuesday, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2015 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire, with Pastors Paul Tiefel and Bruce Naumann officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at church.

Service Information