Gene Bartnes And 3-year-old son, Koltyn Death Obituary: Cherish Resident Has Died

 

BECKER COUNTY, Minn. — The Becker County community is mourning the heartbreaking and untimely deaths of Gene Bartnes and his 3‑year‑old son, Koltyn, who were found deceased Monday afternoon, March 30, 2026, inside their home near Detroit Lakes.

According to the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the residence shortly after noon after a family member went to check on Bartnes when he did not arrive for work. Upon entering the home, authorities discovered both father and son had died. Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Lab are assisting law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Koltyn’s mother, Kristi Frazier, formally identified the victims on Tuesday morning. Frazier stated she believes the deaths were the result of a murder‑suicide, and officials have confirmed that Bartnes left behind a note. The devastating loss of both a devoted father and his young son has deeply impacted family, friends, and the broader Detroit Lakes community.

Details surrounding the circumstances remain under investigation, and law enforcement has not released further information at this time. The tragedy is being handled with the utmost care as authorities work to understand the events leading up to that day.

Family members and loved ones are grappling with immense grief, remembering Gene Bartnes as a cherished father and valued member of the community, and little Koltyn as a bright, beloved child whose life was cut far too short. Messages of support, prayers, and condolences have poured in from neighbors and residents across the area during this incredibly difficult time.

Officials continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. As Becker County mourns, the focus remains on honoring the memories of father and son and supporting their grieving family through this unimaginable loss.