Matthew “Matt” J. Barta

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Matthew “Matt” J. Barta, 64, on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose kindness reached every corner of his world.

Matt was born on September 27th, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Charles and Mary Ann Barta. He was the youngest of 10, which led to him getting away with more than most. He attended LaSalle High School and following school, started his journeyman career with the Local 125- Plumbers and Pipefitters in their trades program. He retired in 2024 from Modern Piping after 37 years.

He married his best friend, Pam, on February 24th, 1990. They shared 36 wonderful years together and raised two children who he was endlessly proud of, always supporting them, believing in them, and considering himself lucky to have them in his life. The arrival of his twin grandsons brought a whole new kind of joy. He was a simple guy, who didn’t ask for much but gave more than he realized. He showed his love by helping others. Matt kept his thoughts close, considered his words carefully, and spoke when he had something worth saying. He had a deep sense of ethics that guided his life.

He loved golf, metal detecting, history, the thrill of discovering something interesting, and fishing. He could find the fish and the fairway when no one else could. He could fix anything and was a perfectionist in the truest sense of the word. He was a natural athlete and excelled at just about anything he picked up. Ping-pong, golf, bags, cards, —you name it. At family gatherings, the objective often became simple: beat Matt. Easier said than done.

We will miss his laugh, his words of wisdom, the things he learned and couldn’t wait to share, his unwavering devotion—and just knowing Matt was there. His absence will be deeply felt.

Matt is survived by his wife, Pam; son, Luke (Sara) Barta; daughter, Emma (Austin) MacTaggart; grandsons, Owen and Sawyer; his sisters, JoAnn Rice and Jean Johnson; his brothers, Charles "Chuck" (Sheila) Barta, and Paul Barta; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy Buechel and Paul Lorentzen; brother-in-law, Bill Cones; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann and Charles Barta; his sisters, Lynda (Bill) Goodell, Eileen Sylvester, Margaret Cones, and Katie Barta; his brother, Jon Barta; and brothers-in-law, Scott Buechel, Cliff Rice, and Roger Waud.

An open house to celebrate Matt’s life will be held on October 24th from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. at the Ellis Golf Course Event Center. Wear a golf shirt in honor of Matt if you wish.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.