Cody Bartels, 44, of Summerset, SD, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025 in Sturgis, SD.  A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2:00pm at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063938806463

Cody Bartels, 44, of Summerset, SD, left this world on September 15, 2025. He was born the youngest child to Brenda Brook on April 6, 1981, in Winner, SD.

Cody graduated from Winner High School and went on to Dakota Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the Highlanders Group. After college, he moved to Seattle, where he lived for 10 years and discovered his calling as a chef. During this time, Cody also embraced his lifelong passion for music, becoming the lead singer for the metal band TrainYard. In 2006, the band achieved one of his personal dreams by performing at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Following the passing of his stepdad Bob, Cody returned home to South Dakota. It was shortly after that he met the love of his life, Theresa. They began building a life together in the Rapid City area and married in May of 2016. With that marriage, Cody became a proud stepdad to Alexander and Payten, a role he cherished deeply.

In his professional career, Cody became best known for his work as a chef at (kōl) in Rapid City. More than just a chef, he was a leader and mentor to his team, inspiring those around him with his creativity, guidance, and generosity. His talent and passion for food earned him recognition in over a dozen publications and numerous television and radio features. Alongside his sous chef and friend, Josh Cumiford, Cody also won multiple chef competitions in Rapid City.

Cody was known not only for his culinary talents but also for his big heart, compassion, and unforgettable sense of humor. Whether sharing a joke, sending a meme, or lighting up a room with his laughter, Cody had a way of making people feel cared for.

Music remained a constant thread in his life. From his days in high school honors choir to his years with TrainYard, and later, to the countless evenings spent at home with Theresa, dancing in the living room to their song, "Wicked Game," Cody's love for music reflected his joy for life and his love for his family. He adored Theresa and never missed an opportunity to show her and their family how much he loved them.

Cody is survived by his wife, Theresa, of Summerset; stepchildren Alexander Week (Nicole) of Rapid City and Payten Week of Summerset; mother Brenda Brook of Winner; brothers Mike of Winner, Ron (Kim) of Sioux Falls, Chris (Karrisa) of Winner, and Trent of Winner; sisters Tara (Duane) Pajl of Witten, Tiffany Brooks, and John (Liz) Brooks of Woonsocket; parents-in-law Ross and Deb Graesser of Winner; sister-in-law Tina (Zach) Cook of Gillette, WY; brother-in-law Tom Graesser of Denver, CO; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, beloved nieces and nephews, and countless friends who became like family.

He was preceded in death by his stepdad Bob Brook; grandparents Verlene and Hienie Kaiser; grandfather Tom Graesser; uncle Jerry Portice; and longtime friend Cody "Duece" Larson.

Cody will be remembered for his immense talent, his humor, his deep love of family, and the way he poured himself into everything he did. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.