Keith Barta
May 29, 1946 ~ May 23, 2023
Keith Barta, 76, of Ree Heights, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in his much loved schoolhouse in Ree Heights, South Dakota.
A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Ree Heights Auditorium with lunch following. An additional celebration of life will be in West Fargo at the home of Chris Barta on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
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.
May he rest in the arms of our Lord, God Almighty, and His son, Jesus Christ.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Keith's arrangements.
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My sincere sympathy to the family of Keith Barta.
Sending my sympathies and condolences to Keith’s family. He was truly an amazing man. A good fishing partner a good friend to talk to. He will be missed ply. Hi buddy.
I’m so sorry to hear about Keith sending prayers to family. Got the pleasure to meet Keith few weeks back at castaways for fishing.
Sending sympathy and prayers to the family. I knew Keith from our high school days many years ago. Carol
My sincere condolences to Chris and Jenny and all the Barta family. I had the pleasure of playing on three state championship fast pitch softball teams with Keith in the late 70's and early 80's. He was a great outfielder and serious competitor.
Along with several friends, we made trips to the Medora, ND area to hunt sharp tail grouse many times in September of the 80's. No one was more passionate about hunting than Keith. That remains one of my favorite memories of Keith and his zest for hunting and the outdoors.
Rest in peace my teammate, hunting buddy and friend!
Vance Bowersox