Myrtle Barth

Myrtle Barth, age 99, of Decorah, IA, died on Friday, January 17, 2014, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah, IA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday January 21, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1638 Big Canoe Road, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Nancy Solomonson presiding. Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, in Decorah and also be visitation after 10:00 at the church on Tuesday morning. Myrtle Dorothy (Bender) Barth was born on May 10, 1914, the daughter of Adam and Dora (Brandt) Bender, on the Bender family farm in Hesper Township, Winneshiek County. Myrtle was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust. Myrtle attended Knoke Country School west of Locust. She was united in marriage to Raymond Harry Barth on February 28, 1934 at her parents’ home. Together they farmed on several farms until they returned to farm the Barth family farm, where Myrtle enjoyed raising chickens and taking care of the garden. She enjoyed playing cards, sewing, and was a wonderful cook for her family and was known for her homemade bread. Myrtle’s grandfather was a charter member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust and the church foundation was well rooted within Myrtle. Throughout the years, the children helped clean the church, mow the cemetery and attend the Locust country school. In 1947, they purchased the Locust Store and operated it until 1954. They retired from farming and moved into Decorah in 1989; where Myrtle was always busy taking care of everyone in the neighborhood. Myrtle was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust, the church choir, the Ladies Aide and Circle. She always made sure that her family attended church. Myrtle also volunteered at Aase Haugen Nursing Home. Myrtle is survived by her two daughters: Jerene (Roger) Jacobson, Prescott, AZ; and Darlene (Roger) Bjerke, Waukesha, WI. One son: Lyle (Mary) Barth, Decorah, IA, along with twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents: Adam and Dora (Brandt) Bender. Her husband: Raymond Harry Barth on Jan. 17, 1998. Two daughters: Lois (Robert D. on Oct. 22, 1980) Smith on July 2, 2012 and Arlys (Charles on April 24, 2012) Hexom on Sept. 26, 2012. One great grandson: Erik Baumler on July 20, 1995. Three brothers: Adam Bender, Jr., Virgil (Lucella) Bender, and Walter (Doris) Bender. One sister: Bessie (Frankie) Barth. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Frankie (Bessie) Barth, Harry Barth, Willard Barth, Arthur (Anna) Barth, Walter (Wilma) Barth, Howard (Lela) Barth.