RICHARD (DICK) BARTA
Richard (Dick) Barta was born June 12, 1932, in Wagner to John and Bernice (Mitchell) Barta, the youngest of five siblings: Leota, Cletus, Don, and Eileen.
Dick attended Wagner public schools where he was a very active student and participated in speech, debate, play productions, boys chorus, mixed chorus, band, and athletics.
He grew up during the end of the depression and through WWII. Following high school, he worked on the Fort Randall Dam project as a truck driver and concrete worker in the tunnels.
Dick enlisted in the Navy in February 1952. He boarded a Union Pacific Train to San Diego with about 15 others from Southeast SD and attended basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Center.
After a brief leave, he boarded a transport ship in San Francisco for Yokosuka, Japan and reported aboard the destroyer USS Ozbourn for a 3 ½ year tour of duty as a machinist mate, electricians mate and when in combat areas spent that time on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols. He was honorably discharged in January 1956 and returned to Wagner. He continued to be a proud member of the VFW and American Legion Posts and Honor Guard.
Using the GI Bill, Dick studied at Southern State Teachers College, where he made lifelong friends, played sports, and met his future wife, Marjean Waltner. They married in 1960, beginning their teaching careers in Parkston.
Over the years, Dick held various roles in education and administration, including principal and prevention coordinator, eventually earning a Doctorate in Education Psychology and Counseling from USD in 1980. He wrote numerous grants for Indian Health Service education programs that helped many students earn degrees.
Dick was deeply committed to his faith, volunteering at St. Agnes and participating in Knights of Columbus and other organizations. For over 52 years, he was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was passionate about prevention efforts. Above all, he valued his family, supporting his children and grandchildren and leaving a legacy of integrity, kindness, and dedication to others.
Dick is survived by his children: Mike Barta, Marcia (Mark) Maltaverne, Susan (Rollie) Isaacson, and Brian (Doni) Barta, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and greatgreat grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marjean, his parents, parent in laws, siblings, brother in laws, sister-in-law Lynette Waltner, grandchild Angela Kosters and niece Barbara Wong.
Funeral Mass was Monday, February 23 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Vermillion. Burial followed at St. Agnes Calvary Cemetery.