Rita M. Barta

Surrounded by her loved ones, Rita M. Barta, 72, Wausau, passed from this world to the next on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Rita was born in Antigo, July 11, 1937 to Genevieve and Louis Wesley. She graduated from Antigo High School and then completed nursing training at Mercy School of Nursing, Oshkosh in 1958. She continued to help others throughout her nursing career until her retirement in 2000 from North Central Health Care Center, Wausau. In 1959 she married Milton Barta of Neva, Wisc. Survivors include her husband, Milton, Wausau; her four children, Terese Barta, Stevens Point, Jane (Michael) Vesel, Colorado Springs, Col., Jeffrey (Marlene) Barta, Montclair, Virg. and Brian (Rhonda) Barta, Wausau; grandchildren, Quentin Hendricks, Emily Hendricks, Tony Vesel, Alex Vesel, Wesley Barta and Lily Keyu Barta. Also suriviving are her three sisters, Julie (Kermit) Schultz, Manitowoc, Rosemary (Michael) Barnes, Deerbrook and Vicki (Eugene) Cahak, Manitowoc, and many nieces and nephews. Rita will be remembered for her love of the Green Bay Packers, collecting beanie babies and Christmas ornaments, knitting and doting on her grandchildren and "grand dog" Kaydee. The funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Friends may call Saturday from noon until the time of services all at the church. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the staff of Aspirus Cardiac ICU for their compassionate care of Rita. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the Marathon County Humane Society. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com