Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, rural Wagner with military honors. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Wagner is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald Francis Barta was born in Wagner, SD on September 18, 1927, to John and Bernice (Mitchell) Barta. He passed away March 8, 2018 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Don attained the age of 90 years, five months and 19 days.

Don grew up during the hard times of the depression. He spoke often of the hard times, but always made the most of what they did have. Don attended Wagner Public School. During his Wagner school days, he was a three sport star athlete, quarterbacking the Wagner Red Raiders to many victories. Don was an avid sports fan, but the Wagner Raiders continued to be his favorite and most followed team. Upon graduating, Don worked on the Ft. Randall Dam project as construction carpenter and concrete finisher.

Don entered the US Army on March 22, 1951, completing basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. From there, he was shipped out to Eta Jima, Japan for training in Engineering and Construction. Don spent over a year in the Korean War as a combat engineer/rifleman, traversing the rugged terrain and in freezing fox holes of Korea. He obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class and received a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and a UN Service Medal. Don rarely spoke about his year in the Korean War, but when he did, it was about the cold, all the walking, the fear, the people that were lost and the good friends he did serve with.

Don returned home to Wagner and enlisted in the newly formed Wagner National Guard Unit. He obtained service and rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and retired in 1987. Over a span of 32 years, he proved to be a worthy soldier receiving commendations, including a recognition for his recruiting efforts.

Don purchased some farmland outside of Wagner where he spent his days for several years "putzing" around, planting a large garden and raising animals, including 12 head of buffalo. The Barta family pheasant hunt was an annual event at Don's farm which created lasting memories.

Don moved to Rapid City about ten years ago to be closer to his sisters. In addition to spending time with them, he made several good friends at the assisted living facility where he lived. He spent many hours driving around the hills and enjoying the serene views and wildlife.

Thankful for having shared his life are his sister, Eileen Walters of Rapid City; brother Richard and wife Marjean (Waltner) Barta of Vermillion; nephews: Mike Barta (Nicole Poznaski) and Brian (Doni) Barta; and nieces: Louise Walters (Bill Griffin), Barbara Walters-Wong (David), Marcia Barta-Maltaverne (Mark) and Susan Barta-Isaacson (Rollie).

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cletus Barta; sister Leota Sidel; and two brothers-in-law: DJ Walters and Edward Sidel.