Dorothy Barta
June 25, 1933 - July 19, 2025
Dorothy Barta passed away peacefully with her family at her side at Kingsway Retirement Living in Belle Plaine on July 19, 2025.
Dorothy was born on a farm east of New Prague to Emil and Helen Vasko on June 25, 1933. Dorothy had a close call early in life. She nearly drowned from a fall in an abandoned well. Luckily Dr. Novak was able to revive her! She started going to school in a local one room schoolhouse, graduating from St. Wenceslaus school and New Prague High School, class of 1951. In her teen years she spent time each summer picking raspberries in Hopkins’ now long-gone raspberry farms.
In 1951 she met the love of her life, Francis (Fritz) Barta. They were married on October 30, 1952, shortly after Fritz returned from service in the Korean conflict. Dorothy was one of the last generation of “Super Woman” farm women. She cooked countless feasts featuring delicious Czech and American dishes, did lots of home canning and freezing, and sewed many beautiful dresses and curtains. She even made homemade root beer and soap. Her garden yielded a bounty of delicious vegetables and fruits. She was a loving wife and mother of five children. She helped with the farm work; she did it all! Somehow there was still time for many visits with the extended family, well earned annual vacations up north and in later years, winter trips to Florida and weekend getaways to Hotel Sofitel.
After much hard work, Dorothy and Fritz were able to buy their own farm where they would live for over 20 years, which was not only their residence, but their life’s vocation, operating one of the top dairy farms in the area. Along the way they were blessed with five children. They were able to enjoy the fruits of their tremendous labor and live a long retirement, centered between Detroit Lakes, MN on Pearl Lake and Clermont, FL until moving to a new townhouse in Montgomery in later years. During these years, she spent many happy hours with her nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who enjoyed many fun trips to Pearl Lake.
Dorothy is survived by her five children, Ron, Cathy (Ken Haase), Duane (LaNae), Julie (Randy Soland) and Keith (DeLynn) as well as siblings Betty and Richard. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, and her siblings Ralph and Joan.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with MaryCarol Wolf officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the Legion Clubroom.
Dorothy’s Family,
Eddie and I had many great visits with your parents when you kids were small and even into our retirement years. Sending my sympathy to you all.
Charlotte (Mrs. Eddie) Vasko.
Dear Barta Family,
Your Mom was a great woman with a wonderful smile. I remember when we were kids we used to go visit Grandpa and Grandma Emil Vasko’s farm. Then after your Dad and Mom were married, we would visit them on their farm. My deepest sympathy. Margaret Vasko Benz
Barta Family,
Sending you all my condolences. I have fond childhood memories visiting your farm when we were kids. I can still hear your Mom’s voice and remember her smile. Laurie Vasko Bacon (Eddie & Charlotte’s oldest.)