Joseph John “Joe” Barta Jr.

Joseph “Joe” John Barta Jr., 78, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020, in V.A. Hospital, Fargo, ND, after a long and courageous battle of MDS that turned to Leukemia in May of 2019.

Joe was born on June 20, 1941, to Joseph Sr. and Hazel (Kronbeck) Barta in Parke Township, rural Hawley, MN. He grew up on the family farm south of Hawley and attended country school. Later, Joe and his family moved to California where he graduated from San Fernando High School, San Fernando, CA. Shortly after high school, his family returned to Hawley where he helped his dad on the family farm.

Joe joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country during Vietnam, from 1962 to 1966. After his service, he returned to Hawley and continued farming. Joe was united in marriage to Debra A. Haugtvedt on October 24, 1970, in Hawley Lutheran Church. Joe drove Ready-Mix Truck for 30 plus years for various companies including Ulven Gravel in Hawley.

Joe was a jack of all trades, master of all, including but not limited to, gardening, carpentry, collecting Red Wing pottery, coins, planting thousands of trees, and keeping up the family farm. He was very fond of his 69 Roadrunner and told many stories of his escapades of his prized car, and just recently restored it to its original glory!! He was a man of not many words but always got his point across. He was strong willed, independent, and ready with a witty comment or a one liner. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be surely missed by his family.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Debra; children, Carolyn Marvig and Christina (Eric) Norem; grandson, Brandon Marvig; siblings, Georgene (Joe) Ackerson, Terry (Carole) Barta, and Debra (Tim) Delmore; brother-in-law, Fred Hoskins; “adopted daughter”, Wendy (Jim) Schwartz; special friends, Lee Thompson, Arlan Holm, Paul Grosz, and the Anderson family; along with many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Hazel; son-in-law, Glenn Marvig; and siblings, Karen (Ellis) Vorachek and Darla Hoskins.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 21, 2020, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

The family of Joe Barta would like to thank the special doctors, nurses, chaplains, and staff of the V.A. Hospital that cared for him. The shared compassion, respect, and support was greatly appreciated.