Howard L Barton

Howard L. "Sam" Barton, 91, of La Crescent, passed away on December 3thrdth, 2012 at St. Josephs Rehabilitation Center in La Crosse after a short illness.

He was born November 23, 1921, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to Basil V. and Eunice (LeMense) Barton.

After attending Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids where he met his prom sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Jane E. Christensen, he began his pre-dental studies at Stevens Point Teachers College and soon realized he wanted to fight for his country in WWII. He requested active duty in the Army Air Corps and received his flying wings on March 13, 1944 at Luke Field, Ariz. as a single engine fighter pilot. He married Jane on April 26, 1944 in Galveston, Texas following pilot training and was stationed in northern Italy where he flew 86 missions in the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter.

When the war ended he finished his pre-dental requirements and then attended Marquette University Dental School graduating in 1950. He then moved to La Crescent and began his more than 40 years of dental practice in La Crosse, Wis.

He is survived by his children, Dr. Thomas (Nancy) Barton of Antioch, Ill., Paul (Sue) Barton of Savage, Minn., and Joni (Charles) Miotke of White Bear Lake, Minn.; a sister, Rosann (George) Prusynski, of Hillsboro, Ore.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Green, Kelly Barton, Katie (David) Tressel, Dr. Sam (Sahar) Miotke, Matthew Miotke, Allison Barton, Caitlan Barton, and five great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, and his brothers, Lloyd, Francis, Bruce, and William and an infant daughter.

He was a member of the American Dental Association, the Elks Club, American Legion Post 595 in La Crescent, the Knights of Columbus and past member of the La Crosse Country Club.

He was an avid and dedicated golfer whose fondest memories include his attendances at the Masters and a trip to Scotland to play the Old Course at St Andrews. He was club champion at the La Crosse Country Club 4 times and runner-up twice, and made 7 holes in one. He loved playing bridge and gin rummy with his wife, Jane, and his many golfing and church friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 11th at the Church of the Crucifixion, 407 S. Second St., La Crescent, Minn. The Reverend Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date at Forest Hills Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids. Friends of the family may call at the church from 10:00am until the time of service.

The family would like to express their most sincere appreciation to Linda Gasper for her dedication, love and assistance for the past 6 years. Her thoughtfulness, devotion, and empathy can never be repaid and will never be forgotten. And also a special thanks to the Koch family for their kindness and helpfulness and to the nurses and staff of St. Josephs Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and excellent care over the past 7 months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 595 in La Crescent, to the Crucifixion Church in La Crescent, or to the Alzheimers Association.