Charles “Art” Barth, 79, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Satya Sudhakar, Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home before the service.
Art was born on May 28, 1945 in Ottawa to Elmer and Frances (Brownfield) Barth. Growing up, Art worked behind the counter at the family business, Barney’s Bakery in Ottawa. He played varsity football for Ottawa Township High School, including two undefeated seasons in 1961 and 1962. He graduated in 1963.
His love of fishing and hunting took him to Colorado for college. He got a teaching degree from Western State Colorado University. During his first year of teaching, he met a fellow teacher who would become the love of his life, Janice (Cross). They married on June 1, 1968 in Ordway, Colorado and moved back to Ottawa to start their family. He taught history and psychology for 32 years at Ottawa Township High School. He loved his work with the Student Council, including helping with homecoming assemblies and dances.
Art was an avid fisherman, taking annual trips to Canada each summer with friends and family to catch the big one. He also enjoyed the warmth of the Gulf in St. Pete Beach, Florida every winter. He enjoyed playing golf and meeting his friends for coffee many mornings in Ottawa. He was a proud “Papa” and loved watching his grandkids participate in sports and activities.
Art was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and a founding member of Starved Rock Yacht Club.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Barth of 56 years; two sons, Dr. Kurt (Tracy) Barth, of Morris, Michael (Jennifer) Barth, of Ballwin, MO; six grandchildren, Hannah, Blake, Allyson, Loren, Connor and Alexander Barth; and a brother, Jack Barth, of Hoffman Estates.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances Barth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Art was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns at Oakwood Memorial Park.