Andrew (Andy) G. Barta

Andy Barta , 35, of Rio Creek, WI, passed away August 29, 2018 following a courageous 3-year battle with colon cancer.  Andy was born January 16, 1983 to his loving parents, Jerry and Tammy (Boucher) Barta.  He graduated from Algoma High School in 2001.  He attended Fox Valley Technical College studying Agri-Business.  Andy was the third generation general manager and part-owner of Rio Creek Feed Mill, Inc.  He married his best-friend and love of his life Allison (Zellner) on January 23, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Luxemburg, WI.

Growing up on a hog farm, Andy inherited a love of agriculture at a young age.  As a teenager, he was involved in 4-H, Camp Bird, Algoma FFA and football. As an adult, he served on multiple committees such as the Kewaunee County Fair Auction Committee, Kewaunee County 4-H Leaders Association, Peninsula Pride, Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee, and the 2017 Kewaunee County Farm Technology Days Executive Committee. He was a respected agronomist and consultant for local dairies and had a great passion for helping local farmers prosper and use successful farming practices. Andy also enjoyed and spent a lot of time educating people of all ages about agriculture.  He also enjoyed hobbies of snowmobiling, hunting, bowling, and softball. Andy was a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated Catholic, and friend to many.

Andy is survived and greatly missed by his wife Allison, children Clayton (6), Chase (5), Landon (3), and Cecilia (2); parents Jerry & Tammy Barta; brothers Adam & Amanda (Heiges) Barta, Jake & Amanda (Pinchart) Barta & Sam Barta; nieces & nephew Lainey, Vivian, Dominic (godson), and Stella; grandmothers Jeanette Barta and Joyce Boucher; father- & mother-in-law Perry & Linda (Kinnard) Zellner; brother-in-law Kyle Zellner (special friend Tessa Moeller); grandparents-in-law; Norman & Jean Zellner and Dale & Rosemary Kinnard; additional godchildren Carter Kinnard and Anthony Schmidt.  Andy is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, the Ebert Family, the Taylor & Katie Schmidt Family, the Rio Creek Feed Mill Team, and many other special friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Aloysius Boucher and his paternal grandfather Donald Barta, friend Matt Wehausen, family friend Britty Ebert, and other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 2nd at Algoma High School, 1715 Division St., Algoma, WI from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, on Monday, September 3rd from 8:30 – 10: 30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Burial to follow in the Thiry Daems Cemetery. Wiesner & Massart Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.wiesnermassart.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up for Andy's childrens education.

Andy’s family would like to thank all the dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff from Aurora BayCare Hospital, UW Madison Hospital, Ministry Home Health, Bellin Hospital, and Unity Hospice. We would especially like to thank Dr. Umang Gautam, Aurora, and Dr. Daniel Abbott, UW Madison.  Andy’s family would also like to thank Father Edward, and all friends, neighbors, and community for the outpouring of love and support throughout his illness.