Faye Lois (Milligan) Bartoszek, 97, passed away February 24, 2025. She was born December 12, 1927 to Patrick and Blanche (LaBranche) Milligan. She was raised in Foster City, MI and was especially close to her grandparents, Patrick and Mary Milligan of Foster City, MI and Esdras and Camille LaBranche of LaBranche, MI. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Home Economics in 1949 and worked as a teacher for 2 years. In 1951 she married Anthony (Tony) Bartoszek in Foster City. They moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 1955 where they raised their four children. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary watching the KC Royals in a suite at the K. Having met at a baseball game where Dad was playing led to their longtime enjoyment of watching baseball games.
She was a longtime member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church joining in 1955. She worked at the St. Mary’s Food Kitchen for 29 years, coordinating, delivering, and serving food twice a year. In the early 1960’s, Tony and Faye started the Fontana Pines Tree Farm, in Fontana, Kansas, a Christmas Tree Farm still in operation today. During the Christmas tree season, she greeted and visited with all their loyal customers and of course the beloved workers who helped at the farm. She also sold the wreaths that she made and decorated. In 2024, Fontana Pines donated a Christmas tree to the Kansas Governor’s Mansion in Topeka, Kansas. Faye and her Farm Family were able to join in the festivities with the Governor.
She was an active member of the Home Economist in Home and Community Organization. She volunteered in several positions including serving as Vice President and President.
Faye never slowed down and was active every day. She was an excellent cook (her food was made with love) and talented seamstress. Up until 2023, she preserved and canned vegetables and fruits. Her delicious blackberry jam was made with wild berries from the Tree Farm.
Faye is survived by her four children Joe (Onalee) of Windsor, CO, Teresa, Ed, and Julie (Craig) WestHoff. Five grandchildren: Hannah, Hayley and Jake WestHoff, and Jaron (Michelle) and Jamey Bartoszek. One brother-in-law, Marshall Kesler, and one sister-in-law, Bea Bartoszek, and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Tony, her sisters, Phyllis Kesler, Janet Skibo, and brothers, Patrick Milligan, Robert Milligan, and James Milligan. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
A special thanks to the Sister Servants of Mary for their loving comfort and care to Faye.
Visitation will be Monday March, 3 at 9:30 am -10:15 am, Rosary at 10:15 am with Funeral Mass starting at 10:30 am at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, Kansas, 66204. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, John Paul II Catholic School, or Sister Servants of Mary.