Joan M. Barta, age 86, a resident of The Gardens at Felician Village, Manitowoc, passed away unexpectedly while visiting family in Florida on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Kissimmee, Florida.

Joan was born on November 18, 1930 in Milwaukee. She was the daughter of the late Arden and Marguerite Hebert Knutson. Joan attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1948. On February 3, 1951 she married Claude R. Barta in Waukesha. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2015. Joan was an avid bridge player and loved to bake.

She is survived by three children: Claudia (Dennis) Naidl, Green Bay; Jill (Jim) Chadek, Two Rivers; Peter (Jodi) Barta, Wauwatosa; seven grandchildren: Philip Naidl, Patrick (Megan) Naidl, Lara (Jack) Pomprowitz; Bill (Ryan) Chadek, James Segerson; Haley Barta and Samuel Barta; four great grandchildren: Harriet and William Naidl; Liam and Dianna Chadek; one sister: Nancy Hinkes; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Arden and Marguerite Knutson; husband: Claude; sister-in-law and her husband: Corrine and Richard Beitzel.

It was Joan's wish for her family to have a private celebration of her life. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum in Manitowoc. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.