Timothy William Bartsch

Timothy William Bartsch (affectionately known as Timber to those who love him), left us unexpectedly on September 6th, 2024, due to complications from a GI bleed. He was only 36. Timber lived a big life, full of tremendous generosity and joy. Timber was born on April 27, 1988, in New Rochelle, New York. He grew up in Madison, Connecticut and attended Daniel Hand High School before moving to Boston to attend Emmanuel College. After graduating, Timber moved to Chicago and made the city his home. Timber will be remembered for the love he showed to his friends and family and the presence he exuded. He was often physically the biggest person in every room, but even more so was the loudest voice, the brightest light, and the most smiling face. Timber had “the gift of the gab” and loved to tell stories and make others feel comfortable with his irreverent humor. He loved the beach and found solace by the water, never forgetting a childhood spent swimming and lying in the sun. Timber was a voracious reader and the most valuable asset on any trivia team. He loved music and to know Timber was to know him singing. Timber met the love of his life, Laura Hartin, in July of 2019. They were married on October 1, 2022, and were able to spend five beautiful years together with their dog, Lana. Timber loved and was loved deeply, and made sure that his family and friends felt his love daily. He is survived by his wife, Laura Hartin, his parents Tom and Rosemary Bartsch, older brother Tommy (Nicole) Bartsch and nieces Ella and Ahna, his younger sister Emsie Bartsch (Frank Sigwarth) and newborn nephew Lawlor, and grandparents Thomas and Margaret Bartsch, as well as his close circle of friends and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was the beloved grandson of Gloria Lawlor Dietz. There will be celebrations of Timber’s life in both Chicago, Illinois (October 12, 1 PM at the Hubbard Street Lofts, 1821 W Hubbard Street) and Madison, Connecticut (November 2, 5 PM at the Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Road). Anyone wishing to honor and remember Timber is invited to attend. Timber frequently quoted Kurt Vonnegut and said “If this isn’t nice, what is?” We heard Timber say this in moments small and big, in quiet wonder and loud celebration. He never failed to express gratitude for his life. We invite all those who will miss him to find those glimmering moments and ask themselves “If this isn’t nice, what is?”

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.