Colby Paul Bartholomew was born Oct. 9, 1956, to Richard and Norene Bartholomew in Seward.
He attended Centennial High School, graduating in 1974. Colby was a mechanic at an implement dealership for many years and later was self-employed. In his free time, he enjoyed restoring farm equipment and vintage cars. From a young age, he developed a passion for flying and built and flew ultralight planes. His most recent project was building a GyroCopter, which he never flew. Colby passed away March 12, 2025, in York, at the age of 68.
He is survived by his daughters, Lori Mueller of Adams, and Sherry (Andy) Generally of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and their families; mother (for 62 years) Dolores (Rathje) Bartholomew of Seward; siblings, Mike (Diane) Rathje of York, Steve (Lynda) Rathje of Port Huron, Michigan, Brad (Dina) Rathje of Utica; sister-in-law, Kris Bartholomew of Beaver Crossing, Cyndi Steffen of Lincoln, and Darin Bartholomew of Seward; many nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles and his “Iowa family” from Norene’s siblings. Colby was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Norene Bartholomew; daughter, Rachelle Bartholomew; and brother, Terry Bartholomew.
There will be no visitation and a private service is planned. Memorial contributions suggested in care of the Bartholomew family.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
