Elmer Barta, age 93 of New Prague, died Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague.  Elmer was born August 17, 1921 in Lonsdale, MN to Edward J. & Emma (Rezac) Barta.  He attended Lonsdale schools, graduated from Faribault High School, and attended Dunwoody Institute.  Elmer entered the army 10-24-42 at Camp Dodge, IA and served in Europe during WWII as a Technical Sgt. radio operator.  On November 15, 1943 he married Ruth E. O’Leary in Lakeville, MN.  Elmer did appliance repair from 1947 until 2013 and was the owner of Barta Refrigeration and Electronics in New Prague serving residential, commercial, and agricultural needs in Le Sueur, Scott, and Rice Counties.  He was a member of NP Rotary, NP Chamber of Commerce, St. Wenceslaus Church, Cedar Lake Improvement Association, and American Legion.  Elmer is a former mayor of Lonsdale, sang with the Faribault Barbershop Quartet Choir, and served as an interpreter for the Special Olympics Czech athletes.  He was an active ham radio operator for many years and was an instrument rated private pilot.  Elmer volunteered at Mala Strana Nursing Home, playing piano and accordion.

Elmer is survived by five children, Kathleen (& Wayne) Hines of Shorewood, Timothy (& Kathy) of Los Angeles, Thomas (& Lu) of Honolulu, Bruce of Waconia, and Steven of Colorado Springs; brother, Larry (& Delores) Barta of Faribault; sister-in-law, Margaret Barta of Faribault; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; brother, George; sister, Marcy Hough.

Services will be held, Monday, September 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague with Rev. Dr. Steven Trewartha and Rev. Timothy Barta officiating.  Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Monday.  Military rites will be conducted.  Private burial will occur later at Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale, MN.