Obituary of Robert J Barta

Robert “Buzzy” Barta, Sr., age 88 of Yankton, SD passed away October 11, 2016 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Larry Regynski officiating. Burial will be in the Scared Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Pallbearers are: Danny Paul Barta Jr., Brent Barta, Ryan Barta, Tommy Huether, Mark Leader, Steve Achen, and Eric Dimmer. Honorary Pallbearers are Buzzy’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Buzzy was born on September 27, 1928 in Lesterville, SD to Lillian and Sylvester Barta. He graduated from Meckling High School then married Vivian DeCora on March 3rd, 1950 in Worthington, MN. Together they raised their 6 children in the Gayville area. In his younger years, he enjoyed running and playing baseball. For many years following he would always attend his family’s sporting events. He received the nickname “Buzzy” from his many years of cutting, splitting and hauling wood. Buzzy had a passion for fishing and if you couldn’t find him at the river, he was sure to be found at the elevator playing cards. He was very proud of his family and kept every newspaper clipping that they were mentioned in, no matter how big or small the article was. He was “The American Picker” and had many collections including a marble and cast iron car collection. Buzzy was highly empathetic and witty – as a result of these qualities, he was a fantastic conversationalist. There was never a dull moment when he was around and you were sure to laugh at his quick witted comments that were followed by a wink. Buzzy is survived by his children: Carlene Barta (Danny) of Gayville, SD, Robert Jr. and Pam Barta of Gayville, SD, Linda Ryken of Sioux Falls, SD, Michael and Judy Barta of Vermillion, SD, Donnie and Myrna Barta of Sioux Falls, SD, and Debbie Barta of Freeman, SD; sister: Marjorie Smallie of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren: Stacy Barta (Steve Achen), Mindy (Tommy) Huether, Danny Paul Barta Jr. (Jess), Hillary Barta (Mark Leader), Brent Barta (Sara), Emily (Eric) Dimmer, Kara Ryken, Erin Ryken, Ryan Barta (Renae Aune), Jennifer (John) Barta-Straub, Amy (Gavin) Slethaug, Amanda Barta and Kari Barta; 22 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian (DeCora) Barta; his son, Danny Barta Sr. and siblings, William Barta, George Barta and Norma Jean (Barta) Groves. Memorials preferred to Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, 601 W 21st St. Yankton, South Dakota 57078. Although we will mourn the loss of such a wonderful man, we will forever thank God that such a man lived.