Virgil Ronald Barta

Cribbage master, pinochle pro, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle – a fighter to age 90.  Virgil Ronald Barta passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of June 25th, 2020.

Virgil was born to Grace and Wesley Barta on June 8, 1930, in Hawley, MN, where he attended school.

Virgil proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War aboard the USS Philippine Sea in 1952 and 1953 and as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve until 1959.

He married Agnes Mulcahy on May 6th, 1954, in Barnesville, MN, where they raised their 3 handsome, rambunctious boys.  He was a devoted husband who took his role of exasperating his wife quite seriously, making sure to always flirt his way back into her good graces.

Virgil’s many talents allowed him to enjoy a storied career that included all-around farm hand and agricultural  product deliveryman, skating rink DJ, service station attendant, hardware repairman, gravel truck driver, and restaurant owner, then retiring from Fargo Tank after 20 years of sales.

Virgil passionately shared his love of hunting with his sons, grandsons, brothers, and nephews at the Barta hunting “shack”, where fierce card games were fought, no one went hungry, and the snoring at night kept the wolves and bears away.

As an equal opportunity grandpa, he adored his two granddaughters and was in attendance for many dance recitals, gymnastic performances, proms, and horse shows.  He was a brilliant strategist and was known for his stealth abilities to slip out of such events early and beat the crowd home.

As his grandchildren became parents themselves, he and Agnes delighted in seeing their great-grandchildren whenever they could visit as well as in the many photos that were sent.

For the last several years, Virgil and Agnes have been lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff and the Anderson family at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth.  Though at times Virgil felt they needed his help to run things, he often shared that Serenity was home to him and it was where he always wanted to be.  The family will be forever grateful for the years of care at Serenity, with special thanks to Marissa, Jen, and Amanda.  Special thanks to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their additional care and comfort.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, “Aggie”; sons, Ronald, Richard (Terri), and Randy (Tammi Jo); 7 grandchildren, Brandee Rothmeyer (Jeff), Joshua (Rose), Cole (Bobbi), Brett (Megan), Britta (Justin Olson), Clint, and Cody; 9 of the best-looking great-grandchildren ever; brother, George; and many outlaw in-laws, nephews, and nieces.  He was preceded in death by brother Wesley, and sister Rita, and half-sister Donna Wilson.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 P.M., Monday, June 29, 2020, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Dilworth, MN. Final resting place will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Moorhead, MN, following the service. In response to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required, and seating will be limited. Due to vulnerable family members in attendance, we kindly ask that children not be present.  A live stream of the event will be available on his page at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook may also be found.