John Barton

John O. Barton, age 90, of Willmar, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, at the Belgrade Nursing Home.

A celebration of life service for both John and Veda Barton will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Lebanon Cemetery in New London.  Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

John Oscar Barton was born on April 14, 1930, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, the son of Vivien and Lillian (Almquist) Barton.  He grew up in various cities in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.  In 1947 John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1950.  On January 29, 1951, John was united in marriage to Veda Moore in Roanoke, VA.  They moved to Minneapolis in 1952 where John worked and took banking courses in the evening to obtain a banking certificate.  He was employed at First National Bank, Bank of Minneapolis and Marquette Bank in Minneapolis.  In 1974, they moved to Willmar for John to be the Vice President at the Bank of Willmar.  In 1982, they moved to Princeton and purchased the Community State Bank which John and Veda owned and operated until their retirement in 1989.  John was raised a Mason on November 7, 1957 and joined the Zuhrah Shrine in July of 1958.  He was also active in numerous civic organizations, New Hope Jaycee's, Disabled American Veterans, America Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Rotary.  John and Veda enjoyed spending many winters in Naples, Florida and Tolleson, Arizona.

John’s interests included reading the daily newspaper, sneaking the grandkids to the Dairy Queen and taking naps.  He thoroughly enjoyed family get togethers so he could introduce his grandchildren to foods he enjoyed including limburger cheese and herring.  He was proud of his family and would tell you that every time he saw you.

He is survived by three daughters, Candace (and Jeff) Williamson of Rosemount; Vivian Barton of Tolleson, AZ., and Christine (and Randy) Moe of Willmar; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Veda of 69 years on Nov. 10, 2020; and a son-in-law, Steven Lenzen.