Blanche Barbara Barta

Blanche Barbara Barta, 101 died Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Lakeland Heath Care Center, Elkhorn. She was born Jan. 10,1913 In Chicago, Ill. The daughter o Edward Kratochvil and Blanche Blecha. She married Lewis Barta in Chicago. Lewis died in 1993. Blanche was a 1936 Graduate of Harmson High School. Blanche Barta and her husband, Lou, became a full time residents of Lake Como, Wisconsin 1974. Prior to that she weekend with family in the area for over 20 years. Upon her "retirement" to Lake Como from Cicero, Illinois, Blanche became active by volunteering at the Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn. Through the Auxiliary, she volunteered in all areas, from making toast in the cafeteria, working in the gift shop, manning the visitor's desk, doing clerical work and much more. However, her crowning achievement was the reorganization of the Life Line program for the hospital. She put in place inventory and bookkeeping systems. Blanche received high praise for her meticulous record keeping and interaction with the clients. She served as Life Line Coordinator for 19 1/2 years. Blanche served as treasurer of the volunteer organization for 6 years. Blanche retired in October of 2008, after 30 years of service, with 40,872.25 volunteer hours to her credit. She often commented that helping people was a good way to live. Blanche was the recipient of a number of awards - among them the prestigious MargaretSchloemer Humanitarian Award given in 2004 by Aurora Lakeland Medical Center Benefit Committee. She received the first Aurora Star award at Lakeland and was honored as as outstanding senior citizen at the Walworth County Fair in 2000. In 2008, Blanche was privileged to be awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award in a celebration ceremony of more than 3,200 volunteers at the Milwaukee State Fair. She was bestowed recognition and resolutions by President George Bush and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Blanche is survived by one daughter, Bonnie Kucera of Darien, IL. 2 grandchildren, Keith and Jackie. 2 great grandchildren,Kimmy and Kate and 1 great great grandson, Christopher. Also a special friend, Ronald Kucera of Virginia. Blanche will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 10, 2013. Visitation is 9 to 11am Monday at the Betzer Funeral Home. A short service of remembrance will be at 11am. Entombment will be at 2pm in Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago. A reception will follow services at the Village Supper Club Delavan Lake. Memorials to the Family to be distributed to Blanche's favorite Charities Service Information Monday, May 12th, 2014 11:00amInterment Location Bohemian National Cemetery 5255 N. Pulaski Road Chicago, IL 60630