Obituary for Raymond F. Barta

Ray was born in Grafton, North Dakota, on January 18, 1941, and spent his early years growing up on a farm near Conway, where he shared many mischievous adventures with his brothers as rural farm kids. When Ray was 15, his family traded the North Dakota prairie for Minnesota's Iron Range, where his father found work in the mines. It was a move that would eventually shape much of Ray's life.

As a young man, Ray made his way to the Twin Cities, where he served in the Army National Guard for six years. Fate brought him together with another North Dakotan, Marianne. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared adventures. Marianne became the love of Ray's life and his partner through all of life's ups and downs.

Together, Ray and Marianne returned to the Iron Range, where they built a life centered around family. Trips back home to North Dakota often meant weddings, family gatherings, and one of their favorite things: dancing together. They loved to polka and waltz, and anyone who watched them on the dance floor knew they were something special together.

Ray worked as a maintenance mechanic for National Steel Pellet Company, where he spent 25 years before retiring. During temporary layoffs, he found other ways to keep busy, including working as a tour guide at Hill Annex Mine, where his friendly nature helped him make connections with visitors from around the world. He also spent time behind the wheel of a school bus for the Greenway School District.

Ray was also deeply involved in his community. He served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts and was an active member of the Cloverdale Booster Club. A familiar face at summer softball and baseball games, he was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Cloverdale." It was a fitting title for a man who knew everyone and could talk to anyone.

After retiring, Ray embraced one of his greatest joys: being a grandpa. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren, whether sharing stories, making them laugh, or simply enjoying their company. In 2013, Ray and Marianne moved to the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area to be closer to family.

Ray shared a love of woodworking with his three brothers and enjoyed diamond willow carving, photography, birdwatching, word searches, and cribbage. He loved deer hunting with the boys at Da Shak and collecting agates, fossils, and sand from around the world. A true snack hound, he especially loved a giant bowl of popcorn. As a loyal Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan, we know he is already bargaining with Jesus for a Vikings Super Bowl win!

Ray never met a stranger. Always ready with a joke or a story, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and even knew the employees at his favorite stores by name. Marianne could send him into town for milk, and he'd return an hour or two later, sometimes with the milk, sometimes without, but always having found someone to visit with along the way.

Over the years, Ray made countless trips to the local clinic and hospital for medical appointments. While these visits weren’t always his favorite thing, he made sure there was never a shortage of laughter. Ray always came prepared with a long list of jokes, but one in particular became his trademark: the famous “stool sample” joke. He told it to practically anyone who made eye contact with him, whether they were ready for it or not! After sharing this joke countless times with staff, patients, and anyone else who crossed his path, Ray became a familiar legend at the clinic and hospital, earning the unforgettable nickname “The Stool Man.”

His family calls this special gift “The Ray Effect.” Ray had a way of turning an ordinary interaction into a moment of laughter, bringing smiles to people who may have needed them more than he knew. Even in places where people were dealing with difficult days, Ray found a way to lighten the mood and make a connection. His humor was a gift he shared freely, and the smiles and laughter he left behind will be a lasting part of his legacy.

We're fairly certain there was a backup at Heaven's gates because Ray had St. Peter cornered with a few of his favorite jokes.

But more than anything, Ray loved being with his family. He didn't need a special occasion, or anything planned; just a place to sit, talk, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. Those simple moments meant the world to him, and the memories made together will forever be treasured by those who loved him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Sr. and Agnes (Narloch) Barta; his brothers, Marion Barta and Victor Barta Jr.; and his infant sister, Bertha Barta.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marianne Barta; his brother, Andrew (Josette) Barta; his children, Jenene (Brian) Drentlaw, Brian (Mike) Barta, Sarah (Joe) Heger, Eric (Larissa) Barta, and Kelly (Chad) Michaels; his grandchildren, Aili (Alan) Nelson, Ethan Heger, Liam Barta, Nolan Heger, Gretchen (Jared) Tolkkinen, Hazel Heger, Alex Barta, Jacob Barta, Agnes Heger, and Milo Heger; and his two great-grandchildren, Etta and Liesel Nelson.

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the truly exceptional ICU and Palliative Care teams at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, who provided Ray with so much more than medical care. They also created a peaceful and compassionate environment for him and his family during his transition from this life to the next.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, 210 W. Hamlin St., West Salem, Wisconsin. Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill will celebrate the Mass.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church, with family members sharing memories of Ray at 10:45 a.m., prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Neshonoc Cemetery.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to return to the church for lunch and fellowship. All are welcome to attend.

Online condolences may be left for the family on this site.