Richard Barten

Richard Joseph was born on May 17, 1941, in Elrosa, Minnesota, the son of Nicholas and Cecelia (Deters) Barten. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1959. After graduation he served two years in the Army and four years in the National Guard and was honorably discharged on December 18, 1966. Richard met Virginia Benton in Houston, TX in 1968 and on May 10, 1969, the couple was married in Dallas, TX. The Bartens returned to Minnesota in 1971, where Dick worked for Juno Tool & Plastics for eleven years. On August 8, 1972, his only son, Darren was born. In 1982, he started working in real estate and home construction. He also did some investing in several rental properties. Dick enjoyed traveling with his family and they went on several family vacations. Especially out West ? two of his favorite states to go to were Colorado and Montana as he had a passion for the mountains. Richard also loved hunting in the fall with his son and other relatives. He enjoyed fishing and took several trips out of state and to Canada with his son, Darren. Dick loved animals, especially his little shiatsu, Miss Elle. For those who knew Dick, they will miss his ability to make you laugh and his uncanny sense of humor. He will be dearly missed. Richard died on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. He is survived his wife, Virginia; son, Darren of Alexandria; daughter, Donna Love & Daniel of Jackson, Mississippi; grandson, Jacob Pittman; granddaughter, Amanda Grace; great granddaughter, Baylee; two brothers: Ray & Mary Ann Barten of Greenwald, MN, Don & Betty of Cedar, MN; five sisters: Odelia & Doug Dahlheimer of Alexandria, Elverna & Len Keller of St. Cloud, Lucille & Elmer Sindermann of Melrose, Rosie & Urban Spanier of Spring Hill, MN, Doris & Wilfred Arens of Padua, MN, Janice & Phil Miller of West Union, MN; sister-in-law, Monica Barten of Spring Hill, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Alfred; brother-in-law, Leo Spanier. Funeral service was held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Pallbearers were Bill Capp, Anthony Gale III, Mary Botten, Mike Barten, Dan Miller, Bob Hammond. Military Honors were by the American Legion Post #87. Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.