John J. “Jocko” Barten, Jr., age 85, of New Prague, passed away peacefully with his son at his side on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. John was born on November 28, 1936 in New Prague to John J. and Agatha E. (Busch) Barten, Sr. He grew up in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School and then entered the US Army, serving for several years, much of that time in Alaska. John was working as a roofer when he met his bride, Dorothy M. Hebeisen, in a Minneapolis bar where John asked Dorothy to play a song on the jukebox. From that night on, it was a lifetime of love and the couple married on November 3, 1962 in Minneapolis, where the family started with the birth of their son. Three years later they moved to New Prague, established the rest of the family with the addition of two daughters. There he began working for Mike Pauly at Pauly’s Standard, and bought the business in the early 1970’s. He owned and operated Barten Standard Station until 1984. He then worked for Mahowald Motors about a year and finished out his career at Chart, retiring after 20 years with them.
John enjoyed nothing more than helping people, whether it was at the station or in the community through volunteer work. He was a member of the Eagles Club and a volunteer with the New Prague Fire Department. Everyone knew “Jocko”, with his ready smile and willingness to engage in conversation. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and a friendly game of Euchre with the card clubs he belonged to. He played a little town ball in his younger years but always enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins.
John is survived by his children, Joe (Peggy) Barten of Shakopee, Lynn (Troy) Townsend of Montgomery, TX, Tammy (Thomas) Villagomez of North Mankato; grandchildren, Danielle (Matt) Huseby, John Barten, Nicholas Olesen, Steven (Oyuki) Townsend, Tara Townsend, Michael Townsend, Gavin Villagomez; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Sophie, Kipsyn, & Ava; siblilngs, Mary Ellen Simek of New Prague, Irene Jirik of Northfield, Evelyn (Marvin) Huss of Savage. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy on September 4, 2020; his parents; brothers, Albert, Jerome, Leander, & Ambrose; sisters, Laverne Seurer & Margaret and Evelyn both in infancy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM at FaithPoint Lutheran Church in New Prague with Reverend Dr. Steve Trewartha officiating. Visitation will be held Friday at Bruzek Funeral Home from 4-7 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until service time at church. Lunch will follow in the church hall with burial at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery at 1:30, where military honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.
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