David Dean Barta, 87, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12, at his home.  He was born Aug. 18, 1929 in Kewaunee to Gilbert and Margaret (Selner) Barta.

Dave enlisted in the US Airforce on Nov. 16, 1951, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 15, 1955.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #72 in Sturgeon Bay.  On Dec. 28, 1955, he married Theresa Froelich in Kewaunee.

Dave attended Milwaukee School of Engineering in March of 1955 and graduated in March of 1960 with a degree in electrical engineering.  He worked for AC Spark Plug in Milwaukee and AC Delco in Oak Creek, working on the Apollo Mission Program (the first missile to land on the moon).  He was then employed by Nordberg/Rexnord and Nordco in Milwaukee.

His many hobbies included belonging to the Delta Phi Gamma social fraternity, and the Cherryland A’s Model A Club.  Dave also enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, and working in his garage.  He was a true “Green and Gold Packers Fan”.  Dave and Tress have been season ticket holders since 1958.

Dave was a kind, gentle, quiet man who helped whomever was in need.  He loved his wife, children and grandchildren, vacations, and the cottage at Gitche Gumee in Sturgeon Bay.  Dave and Tress retired in 1993 and then moved to Sturgeon Bay.

Survivors include his wife, son Gregg (Tina), and grandchildren, Natasha and Gary.  He is further survived by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and one special cousin, Joann Barta.   He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Gary.

Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay.  A wake service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. that evening.  Visitation will continue at Corpus Christi Church on Friday, Feb. 17 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. with a mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Anthony Birdsall and Rev. Jim Dillenburg officiating.  Burial will be in Kewaunee at Holy Rosary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

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