DeWayne Bartels died on the Peoria.com Forums

I am so sad. I knew him well personally. He is one of the last of the old-fashioned journalists who did true investigative reporting - never pre-judging one side of the issue - and calling it like he saw it - regardless of who he pissed off.

Sometimes I wanted to slug him, and sometimes I wanted to kiss him. Usually kiss him. But if you were in his cross hairs - look out. This is just so unexpected. Rest in Peace my friend.

This is very sad for anybody that appreciates good old fashioned journalism. I didn't know him personally but felt like I did. I will miss him.

Wow, this is sad news. I wrote a couple of stories for him a few years ago. He was really nice. May he rest in peace.

This was a sad loss.