Adrian Barta

NORFOLK - A funeral Mass for Adrian Barta, 64, of Norfolk, formerly of Howells, will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Howells.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday at the church and starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Adrian was born in West Point on Aug. 14, 1952, to Richard and Wilma (Karel) Barta. He attended first through eighth grades at District 32 of rural Howells, then resumed his 9-12 education at Howells High and graduated in 1970. Adrian enjoyed playing baseball and started in the first grade with the Maple Creek Redcaps and continued to play ball into his 40s.

He married Pamela Wisnieski on April 20, 1974, in Howells. They lived in Stanton County north of Howells from 1974-88 where they farmed and raised livestock. In 1988, they moved to Howells and while Adrian continued farming he also became a full-time employee. He enjoyed a lifetime of farming and worked various jobs in hog units, manufacturing and ended his career at Howells Fab. In April 2015, Adrian was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer and forced to retire due to his compromised health and treatments. On Aug. 21, 2016, he lost his battle with cancer with his family by his side at Nebraska Medicine/UNMC in Omaha.

Adrian took pride in his yearly yield of sweet corn and gave the fruits of his labor to his many friends, neighbors and families. He enjoyed spending time with his family, primarily his grandchildren, in his later years. Adrian was a hardworking, religious and humble person.

Adrian is survived by his wife, Pam of Norfolk; three daughters, Laura Cerny of Howells, Jodene (Tony) Cantrell of Wayne and Mindy Barta of Columbus; three grandchildren, Makayla Cerny and Hudson and Sally Cantrell; two brothers, Dick (Jean) Barta of Urbandale, Iowa, and Greg Barta of Blair; and sister, Janelle (Allen) Lang of St. Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Wilma Barta.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to cancer research or the family's wishes.

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared online at www.svobodafuneralhome.net.