Keith Barta, 76, of Ree Heights, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in his much loved schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota.
Keith was born May 29, 1946, to Wences "Winnie" Anton Barta and Irene Dorothy (Gerstner) Barta in Grafton, North Dakota. He grew up near Minto, North Dakota, attending school at Minto and graduating in 1964. While in school, he was active in sports such as basketball, track, and baseball.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany until 1967. Upon returning from the military, Keith attended college at Mayville, North Dakota, then the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
It was while attending high school that he met his first wife, Roberta Jean Fair. They were married in 1968 and to this union Christopher James and Jennifer Lynn were born. Keith and Roberta were divorced in 1986.
In 1989, Keith met Debra Wynn (Baltzell) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were married in 1991, and lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota until 1998 after they acquired the schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota in 1996. While they were divorced in 2013, Keith continued to live in the home due to his medical diagnoses of macular degeneration and prostate cancer that same year. He later developed COPD, as well, leading to his death.
Keith was self-employed as a flooring installer for more than 30 years. Through that employment, he met many people who became longtime friends.
Keith continued to play softball (and some fast pitch) into his 50's. He was a fanatic hunter, especially deer and pheasant and was also an avid fisherman. His last fishing trip was with the VA Castaways, just a week and a half before his death.
Keith is survived by his children: Chris (Hope) Barta and Jennifer (John) McClaren; step-son, Troy Tuel; grandchildren: Allison (Race Heitkamp) Barta, Ashton (Derek) Turner, Mattyson (Brandan Lee) Barta, Susannah "Frankie" McClaren, and John McClaren III; step-grandchildren: Dylan Buchele, Annellee Buchele, Taylor Tuel, and Thomas Tuel; and step-great grandchild, Alena Buchele; former wives: Roberta (Fair) Mohagen and Debra (Baltzell) Barta; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce (Barta) Lutovsky; brother-in-law, Luke Lutovsky; and step-son, Kristopher Buchele.
Keith was born May 29, 1946, to Wences "Winnie" Anton Barta and Irene Dorothy (Gerstner) Barta in Grafton, North Dakota. He grew up near Minto, North Dakota, attending school at Minto and graduating in 1964. While in school, he was active in sports such as basketball, track, and baseball.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany until 1967. Upon returning from the military, Keith attended college at Mayville, North Dakota, then the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
It was while attending high school that he met his first wife, Roberta Jean Fair. They were married in 1968 and to this union Christopher James and Jennifer Lynn were born. Keith and Roberta were divorced in 1986.
In 1989, Keith met Debra Wynn (Baltzell) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were married in 1991, and lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota until 1998 after they acquired the schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota in 1996. While they were divorced in 2013, Keith continued to live in the home due to his medical diagnoses of macular degeneration and prostate cancer that same year. He later developed COPD, as well, leading to his death.
Keith was self-employed as a flooring installer for more than 30 years. Through that employment, he met many people who became longtime friends.
Keith continued to play softball (and some fast pitch) into his 50's. He was a fanatic hunter, especially deer and pheasant and was also an avid fisherman. His last fishing trip was with the VA Castaways, just a week and a half before his death.
Keith is survived by his children: Chris (Hope) Barta and Jennifer (John) McClaren; step-son, Troy Tuel; grandchildren: Allison (Race Heitkamp) Barta, Ashton (Derek) Turner, Mattyson (Brandan Lee) Barta, Susannah "Frankie" McClaren, and John McClaren III; step-grandchildren: Dylan Buchele, Annellee Buchele, Taylor Tuel, and Thomas Tuel; and step-great grandchild, Alena Buchele; former wives: Roberta (Fair) Mohagen and Debra (Baltzell) Barta; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce (Barta) Lutovsky; brother-in-law, Luke Lutovsky; and step-son, Kristopher Buchele.
Keith Barta, 76, of Ree Heights, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in his much loved schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota.
Keith was born May 29, 1946, to Wences "Winnie" Anton Barta and Irene Dorothy (Gerstner) Barta in Grafton, North Dakota. He grew up near Minto, North Dakota, attending school at Minto and graduating in 1964. While in school, he was active in sports such as basketball, track, and baseball.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany until 1967. Upon returning from the military, Keith attended college at Mayville, North Dakota, then the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
It was while attending high school that he met his first wife, Roberta Jean Fair. They were married in 1968 and to this union Christopher James and Jennifer Lynn were born. Keith and Roberta were divorced in 1986.
In 1989, Keith met Debra Wynn (Baltzell) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were married in 1991, and lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota until 1998 after they acquired the schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota in 1996. While they were divorced in 2013, Keith continued to live in the home due to his medical diagnoses of macular degeneration and prostate cancer that same year. He later developed COPD, as well, leading to his death.
Keith was self-employed as a flooring installer for more than 30 years. Through that employment, he met many people who became longtime friends.
Keith continued to play softball (and some fast pitch) into his 50's. He was a fanatic hunter, especially deer and pheasant and was also an avid fisherman. His last fishing trip was with the VA Castaways, just a week and a half before his death.
Keith is survived by his children: Chris (Hope) Barta and Jennifer (John) McClaren; step-son, Troy Tuel; grandchildren: Allison (Race Heitkamp) Barta, Ashton (Derek) Turner, Mattyson (Brandan Lee) Barta, Susannah "Frankie" McClaren, and John McClaren III; step-grandchildren: Dylan Buchele, Annellee Buchele, Taylor Tuel, and Thomas Tuel; and step-great grandchild, Alena Buchele; former wives: Roberta (Fair) Mohagen and Debra (Baltzell) Barta; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce (Barta) Lutovsky; brother-in-law, Luke Lutovsky; and step-son, Kristopher Buchele.
Keith was born May 29, 1946, to Wences "Winnie" Anton Barta and Irene Dorothy (Gerstner) Barta in Grafton, North Dakota. He grew up near Minto, North Dakota, attending school at Minto and graduating in 1964. While in school, he was active in sports such as basketball, track, and baseball.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany until 1967. Upon returning from the military, Keith attended college at Mayville, North Dakota, then the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
It was while attending high school that he met his first wife, Roberta Jean Fair. They were married in 1968 and to this union Christopher James and Jennifer Lynn were born. Keith and Roberta were divorced in 1986.
In 1989, Keith met Debra Wynn (Baltzell) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were married in 1991, and lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota until 1998 after they acquired the schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota in 1996. While they were divorced in 2013, Keith continued to live in the home due to his medical diagnoses of macular degeneration and prostate cancer that same year. He later developed COPD, as well, leading to his death.
Keith was self-employed as a flooring installer for more than 30 years. Through that employment, he met many people who became longtime friends.
Keith continued to play softball (and some fast pitch) into his 50's. He was a fanatic hunter, especially deer and pheasant and was also an avid fisherman. His last fishing trip was with the VA Castaways, just a week and a half before his death.
Keith is survived by his children: Chris (Hope) Barta and Jennifer (John) McClaren; step-son, Troy Tuel; grandchildren: Allison (Race Heitkamp) Barta, Ashton (Derek) Turner, Mattyson (Brandan Lee) Barta, Susannah "Frankie" McClaren, and John McClaren III; step-grandchildren: Dylan Buchele, Annellee Buchele, Taylor Tuel, and Thomas Tuel; and step-great grandchild, Alena Buchele; former wives: Roberta (Fair) Mohagen and Debra (Baltzell) Barta; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce (Barta) Lutovsky; brother-in-law, Luke Lutovsky; and step-son, Kristopher Buchele.
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