David S. Barto

MARQUETTE, Mich. - David S. Barto, 83, of Marquette, passed away early Monday morning, Oct. 17, 2016, at U.P. Health System-Marquette with his loving wife and family at his side.

David was born on July 2, 1933, in Ironwood to the late Stanley and Rose (Forte) Barto. He attended Montreal Elementary and the Roosevelt School in Montreal, Wis. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley, Wis., in 1951. From 1954-56, David proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in Germany with the 38th Panel Bridge Company.

Returning to his home area, David received an associate degree from Gogebic Community College in 1959, a Bachelor of Science in 1961 from what is now known as the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a master's degree in education from Northern Michigan University in 1969.

David taught school for the Gwinn Area Community Schools including the Leo McDonald School from 1961, retiring in 1989. Dave will be remembered fondly by his former students as a very kind, caring and capable instructor. He treated every student with respect and dignity.

David was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey, American Legion Post 27 in Bessemer, the Michigan Association of Retired Personnel, and the NMU Alumni Association.

He was a long time NMU hockey supporter and member of its Blue Line Club; and an avid Green Bay Packer fan, enjoying many Packer games at Lambeau Field. David spent many years hunting and fishing with his father in Wisconsin and had a great love for the outdoors. He was an avid rock and mineral and stamp collector and enjoyed snowmobiling and cross country skiing until health issues precluded him from doing so. He enjoyed the game of golf, especially at the Eagle Bluff Golf Course in Hurley and traveling with his wife, Donna. David had a great fondness for all animals, often taking time to feed birds and squirrels in his backyard and neighborhood dogs.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Donna Rigoni whom he married on July 22, 1961, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. Msgr. Joseph Seifert officiated at their marriage. Also surviving is a sister, Dorothy (Francis) Tannheimer, of Bessemer; nephews, Daniel (LaMar) Tannheimer and James (Jill) Tannheimer; nieces, Debbie (Rick) Minkin and Gail Martell; a brother-in-law, Peter (Geri) Rigoni of White Pine and their children, Maria Woosmann, Donna (Dale) Ward and Tricia (Paul) Meneguzzo; several great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were in-laws, Dominic and Annette Rigoni.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m., in St. Louis the King Catholic Church with Rev. Glenn Theoret officiating. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church from 11 a.m., Friday until the time of the Mass. A luncheon will be served in Father Gauthier Hall at the church immediately following the Mass.

Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley.

Pallbearers will be Dan Tannheimer, Jim Tannheimer, Kyle Tannheimer, Dan Tannheimer, Jr., Brian Gaudreau, John Barto and Peter Rigoni.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Barto family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.