Lawrence Barta

Lawrence "Larry" Barta, age 84, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2015, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault at a later date.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to services.

Lawrence John, the son of Edward and Emma (Rezac) Barta, was born on August 9, 1931 in Lonsdale, MN. He attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from New Prague High School in 1949. Following graduation, he continued to master his skills as a mechanic by working at the E. J. Barta Garage and Machine Shop, his father's business. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1951-1956 and entered the U.S. Army on active duty from 1953-1955, serving in Korea. Larry was honorably discharged from his military service in July of 1955. On June 20, 1956, he was united in marriage to Delores Mach at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville, MN. Together, they raised their 6 children. Larry was employed at the Lockwood Auto dealership in Faribault for 22 years and then in 1977 he began working with NSP/Xcel Energy until his retirement in 1996. Larry's faith was important to him and he maintained prayer and important practices until his death. He loved his family and enjoyed engaging with his grandchildren. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed communicating with people all over the country using his amateur radio. He completed woodworking projects for his children and grandchildren, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered many hours at his church and in community organizations.

Larry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Delores - his children, Greg (Diane) of Warsaw, Terry (special friend, Deb White) of Faribault, Connie Barnier (Curt) - Wyatt and Ryan of Elk River, Mary Hokanson (Steve) - Alicia and Jon of Spring Lake Township, Ann of Green Cove Springs, FL and Lori Joergensen (Steve) - Angela, Jenna, and Andrew of McKinney, TX; and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Elmer and George Barta; and his sister, Marcella Barta Hough.

Memorials are preferred to Faribault Area Hospice, Divine Mercy Catholic Church or River Bend Nature Center.