Lester James Barton

Jim Barton, 92, of Superior, passed away on November 23, 2025 after a short stay in the hospital that included the discovery of cancer. Jim was born in Sandstone, MN, graduated from Superior Cathedral High and received a degree from UW-Superior.

Jim was an electrician for the UW-Superior before retiring when his wife of nearly 37 years, Kathleen L. (Flaherty) Barton was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1994. Before the UW, Jim was employed by the Northern Pacific in Duluth. He was an army veteran, serving in the mid-1950’s.

Besides Kathleen, he was preceded in death by all his siblings. This year, the Lord called home his sister Shirley Hoppenyan (Duluth, MN), sister-in-law Margie Galligan (Tacoma, WA), brother-in-law Raymond Flaherty (Superior, WI), and his son, Richard (“Rick”) Barton (Green Bay, WI). The family takes comfort in knowing they are all reunited in God’s care.

He is survived by his wife Gloriann of Superior, WI; four children, Patrice (Jerry) Nault of Milwaukee, WI, Bill (Carol) Barton of Bristol, TN, Jim Barton of Fairbanks, AK, and Colleen (Steve) Strasburg of Spooner, WI; grandchildren Erin (Dan) Handley, Daren Bretey, Sara Pitkanen, Patrick Barton, Steven Barton, Katie Barton, Kristie Barton, Deanna (Kevin) Street, Joni (Trent) Rose-Rothstein, Wes Peerenboom, Nick Barton, Kharmilla Barton, Kelly (Laura) Strasburg, Jim Strasburg and Ian Strasburg); great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and his wife’s five children.

Jim was very involved in youth hockey in Superior in the 70s and early 80s, coaching and managing championship teams. He and Gloriann lived in Lake Havasu City, AZ for 25 years, before returning to Superior. He was a member of the American Legion, Moose, the Elks and the Eagles.

Everyone who knew Jim knew that he loved to have a conversation, loved to have a good steak or scallops with a cocktail, loved to dance, and loved to sing anything and everything. His first house in Superior had a juke box, his house in Arizona had a karaoke set-up and his last Superior apartment had a Bluetooth speaker. Even during his brief hospitalization, he entertained by singing “I’m going where the sun keeps shining, thru the pouring rain...” from Everybody’s Talkin’.

Visitation begins at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2613 E 4th Street in Superior and continues until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.