Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin & Friend

Patricia Joan Barta of Eau Claire/Elk Lake left her visit here on earth to return to her eternal home in the presence of her Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 30, 2025. She recently celebrated her 80th birthday with her immediate family. Patricia was born November 10, 1945, in Stanley, Wisconsin. She grew up on her parents', Charles & Agnes Rosalia (Geist) Barta's dairy farm, six miles north of Boyd, Wisconsin. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Cadott High School in 1963.

Patricia was affectionately nicknamed "Pix" as she refused to be called Pat or Patsy since the family farm had a team of horses at that time with those names. This was characteristic of her determination and willfulness throughout her life as a person of strong convictions. As an adult, she went by "Pat". Growing up Pat enjoyed many family holidays, birthdays and special times at her maternal grandparents', Mary & Henry Geist's farm, with family, cousins, aunts and uncles. It was exciting for Pat to make occasional family trips to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to visit her paternal relatives, remaining in contact with two cousins, Mark Barta and Jerry Cherney. Her best childhood friend was Sharon Bushland (now Shari Polley).

Pat resided in Chippewa Falls early on and for many years in the Eau Claire area with her fiancé, Jearold L. "Jerry" Christner who preceded her in death in 2007. Together they enjoyed hunting and fishing, and Pat gardening and canning. She had an affinity for pigs, accumulating a huge collection of various kinds of pig figurines. Pat was an avid Green Bay Packers' fan and displayed her enthusiasm in her home décor and of course often wore her Packer's jacket.

The joy and focus of her life was raising her son, Stephen "Steve" Barta and later was elated to have him living close by in the Eau Claire area. She is survived by her sons, Stephen "Steve" Barta and Jonathan (Lori) Duggan.

Pat cherished the many times she was able to care for and spend time with her grandson, Anthony. She is survived by Anthony (Hannah) Barta and their two children, her great grandchildren, Wyatt Richard and Margo June. She is also survived by Anthony's half-brother, Jeremiah and his children.

Pat is survived by all six of her siblings and their children: Big sister, Mary Agnes, "Mary" & (Dale-dec. 2025) LeDuc; Joseph "Joe" & (Christel-dec. 2014) Barta; Laverne "Vern" & (Clara) Barta; Anthony "Tony" & (Judy) Barta; Little sister, Dorothy & (Irvin-dec. 2022) Peak; Baby brother, Eugene "Gene" & (Rhonda) Barta. Additionally, Pat's brothers' and sisters' children, her nieces and nephews: (Mary's) Cynthia "Cindy", her Godchild, Jay, Debbie & Vicky; (Joe's) Michael & Christopher; (Vern's) Ricky, Kevin & Tim; (Tony's) Antonio, Debbie, (Charles-dec.1985) & Kelly; (Dorothy's) Travis, Justin, & Randi; (Gene's) Laurie & Brian. In addition, she has great and great-great nieces and nephews. Jerry's children were also a part of her life including Jerry Wendt, Jr. and Donna Cardinal and their children, Abby, Bobby, Brady and Samantha.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2026 with burial at that time in Fall City Cemetery. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, Eau Claire is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.