Joseph "Fred" Barth

Joseph "Fred" Barth, 93, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023 at the Baptist Health and Rehab
Center, Bismarck, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 9, 2023, 10:00 A.M. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck, followed by burial at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan at 1:00 P.M.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. with a Vigil Prayer Service starting at 6:00 P.M. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Fred was born Nov. 14th, 1929, in Regent, ND.  In 1948, Fred graduated from New England St. Mary’s High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Burtonwood Air Force Base in Cheshire, England. It was there that he met the true love of his life, Jean Travis, from St. Helens, England. He promised to Jean’s parents to love and protect her until his death. On Feb. 24, 1951, they were married at Burtonwood Air Force Base. Fred and Jean celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary just eight days before his death. Upon completion of his military duties, Fred and Jean returned to New England, ND, where he managed the Red Owl grocery store. In 1957, he became the owner of Barth’s Super Valu grocery store in Hebron, ND. Jean and all his children worked in the store. Fred’s employees were like family to him. Former employees communicated to him their appreciation of him being a mentor who instilled lifelong qualities and values which enabled their success. After 32 years in business, in 1988 Fred and Jean retired from the grocery business. In 2015, Jean and Fred moved to Bismarck where they resided at Edgewood Vista, Prairie Pointe Assisted Living, and the Baptist Care Center.

Fred’s smile and personality made him loved by family and friends. He was dedicated to his community and church. He was active in the Hebron Lion’s club, American Legion, and St Ann’s Catholic Church. In 2022, he traveled with his son, Ray, to Washington DC, as part of the American Legion Honor Flight program. He and his family spent fun filled summer days at Lake Tschida building many fond memories. He loved playing cards, watching sports, and keeping track of the daily markets. Fred’s faith was his trusted companion, and he lived to his Christian values until the end.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jean Barth, Baptist Home, Bismarck; children, Elaine (Dirk) Fischer, Colleyville, TX, David (Liz) Barth, Dickinson, ND, Mary Ann (Dan) Swigost, Bismarck, ND, Yvonne (Jim) Runyan, Firestone, CO, and Raymond (Tami) Barth, Lakeville, MN; and daughter-in-law, Shelley Barth, West Fargo, ND. He leaves behind 16 grandchildren, Travis Robinson, Nathan Fischer, Andrea Fischer, Justin Barth, Duane Barth, Michael Barth, Andrew Barth, Schaan Barth, Adam Swigost, Alex Swigost, Ben Runyan, Zach Runyan, Isaiah Runyan, Brianna (Barth) Conklin, Christina Barth, and Ryan Barth; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Barth; sons, Michael Barth (at birth) and Duane Barth; and siblings, Steve Barth, Clemens (Hutz) Barth, Amelia (Millie) Schlosser, Leo Barth, and William (Bill) Barth.

Fred and his family have been grateful for the care Prairie Point and the Baptist Health and Rehab have provided himself and his wife Jean.