Joseph O. Barth

Joseph O. Barth, 90, of Highland, IL died Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at his residence with his family by his side.

Joe was born April 22, 1921 in St. Rose, IL, the eldest child of 6 children of Philo and Margaret (nee Boeing) Barth.  On June 3, 1947 he married Rita A. Frisse at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.  She preceded him in death February 26, 2010.

He attended and completed grade school in St. Rose.  At age nineteen, Joe being the oldest sibling took charge of his father’s farm near St. Rose after his father’s death.  He gained much experience in raising beef cattle throughout the years and was well known for raising quality beef cattle.

He and his wife operated a farm south of Highland specializing in  grain farming and raising beef cattle.

Joe was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland and Past member of the American Hereford Association.

Joe is survived by 1 daughter, Ruth Ann Kehrer (Edward) Skingley, Highland, IL; 2 sons, David (Debra) Barth, Highland, IL, Robert (Gemma) Barth, Oak Brook, IL; 13 grandchildren, John (Lisa) Kehrer, Columbia, IL, Michael Barth, Glen Carbon, IL, Jennifer Barth, Highland, IL, and Christopher, Eric, Laura, Ryan, Rebekah, Daniel, Anna, Melissa, Jonathan, and Benjamin Barth, Oak Brook, IL; 3 great-grandchildren, Sabrina, Mia, and Olivia Kehrer, Columbia, IL; 3 sisters, Florian Barth, Highland, IL, Clara (Edward) Lucas, Kansas City, MO, Ida Aguiar, Groton, CT; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philo and Margaret Barth; his wife, Rita A. Barth; 1 brother, James P. Barth; 1 sister, Ludwina Knapp; 1 brother-in-law, Armondo Aguiar; 1 son-in-law, Edward C. Kehrer.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Lung Association.

Visitation: Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev. Paul Kala, Parochial Vicar

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL