August 02, 1949 – October 01, 2025
Edward Joseph Bartunek, 76, passed away surrounded by family after a valiant fight with
cancer. He was born August 02, 1949, in Vancouver, Washington to Edward George Bartunek
and Georgia Lynn Kone.
Ed was raised in Kearns, Utah, where he attended Cyprus High before graduating from Kearns
High. During high school, he was an accomplished diver on the swim team, taking 2nd
place at
State for Cyprus High. While he attended Kearns High he started a ski team.
On February 05,, 2004, Ed married the love of his life, Margene McInelly. Their marriage was
later solemnized in the Bountiful Utah Temple, sealing their bond for eternity.
From a young age, Ed was known for his strong work ethic – he began working construction
with his father at just nine years old and remained a dedicated jack-of-all-trades throughout his
life. His primary career was with Kennecott Copper Mining, where he worked for over forty
years before retiring and later returning as a consultant. His hands were rarely still and there
wasn’t much he couldn’t fix or build.
Beyond his work, Ed had a creative and artistic soul. He had a great talent for woodworking,
and he loved to paint and draw. In recent years, he shared his artistic gifts by creating beautiful
charcoal portraits, often of beloved pets who had passed – a generous gesture that brought
comfort to many. He also enjoyed beautifying yards, crafting thoughtful gifts for others, and
creating things with his hands.
Ed had a deep love for the outdoors. He loved fishing and camping but his true enjoyment
came through riding his atv’s and side by sides. For eight years, Ed and Margene traveled
across the country in their fifth wheel, savoring retirement, making new friends, and enjoying the
open road.
Ed was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, embracing the gospel and
love for our Savior after meeting his wife, Margene. Ed served in many callings from young
men’s sports director to activities committee, and serving as executive secretary in the Tooele
Fourteenth Ward bishopric.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Margene McInelly; four children from a previous marriage –
Michelle (Lee) Garbett, Mistie (James) Kern, Brad Bartunek, and Melissa (Bryson) Madison; and
four bonus children, lovingly welcomed through marriage – Brent Valerio, Tony (Maria) Valerio,
Patricia (John) Baird, and the late Johnny Valerio. He was a grandfather to 13 grandchildren,
and 16 great-grandchildren.
Ed will be remembered for his strength, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and the deep
love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he
leaves behind.
Viewing services – Sunday October 5th
from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Funeral services – Monday October 6th
at 11:00 am with a viewing prior to the funeral from 9:30
am – 10:30 am.
Both services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ward building 415
W Apple St, Grantsville, UT
Interment will be held at the Grantsville City Cemetery located at 429 East Main Street,
Grantsville, UT.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Our hearts are
grateful to those who cared for Ed during his illness, specifically the Huntsman Cancer Center
and Harmony Home Health.
6 Responses
Our sincerest condolences Margene and extended family. We are saddened to read this.
Margene. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ed. He’s been an integral part of our lives during our marriage. May you find peace knowing you will be with him again. We are send7ng our love ❤️ to you. God bless you sweet lady.
Margene,
Please accept my condolences. And hold tight to the knowledge that families (and your marriage) are forever.
Ed was one of the friends I missed after leaving the Refinery. He was consistently kind and even tempered with me, even during difficult circumstances. I always appreciated that.
Best wishes as you move forward in your new circumstances.
Guy Keisel
It was a great pleasure working with Ed and Margene during our time together at the Kennecott Refinery. Ed was very knowledgeable and worked hard to make it a successful operation. At this time my condolences go out to Margene and to all of Ed’s family. REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND !
Hello Margene, this is Earl Tucker. My sincere condolences and I apologize for not making it out for the services. My best wishes to you and all your the family. Your faith and love will carry you through this difficult period of time. Take care and if I can be of help please reach out and let me know. Earl
Like many of us, I knew Ed and Margene primarily in the workplace. Margene is one of the nicest people I have known. She was always friendly and upbeat. I’m sure this was one of the things that attracted Ed to her. Ed, for his part, was a constant agent of stability and continuity at the Refinery.
It’s funny how certain things stick with you. As was repeated several times by those speaking at his funeral, “Ed could fix anything.” He certainly was an innovator and a visionary. I remember he designed and fabricated a jig to measure the verticality of anodes hanging in the Tank House cells. I think I cursed Ed a thousand times as I sat in 100F and 100% humidity measuring anodes, but it certainly helped to control anode/cathode spacing. I also remember finagling some of Margene’s potato salad from Ed. It was awesome. I badgered Ed for her recipe, and I don’t know if it was/is proprietary or not, but Ed finally broke down and told me. I would mention it here, but I can’t continue the violation of trust. You’ll have to ask Margene.
I don’t know if you have seen the movie, “Biloxi Blues.” There’s a summary at the end by the protagonist as he reflects on his time training stateside in the army during World War II. I’ll have to paraphrase but he said, “I didn’t always like those guys back then, but right now, I love every last one of them.” Ed was a huge personality and presence. I don’t think any of us could help but love him.