Neal Arthur Barton

Neal Arthur Barton, age 68, passed away suddenly at his Woodbury home on September 12, 2022. Neal was born on December 15, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Neal A. and Emma Theresa (Little Bear) Barton. Neal's family eventually settled in Albert Lea. In high school, Neal was a star athlete, participating in wrestling, football, and track. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1972 and went on to play football at Iowa State University. Neal married Gwen Gordon on June 3, 1978. They were married 27 years and their union was blessed with four sons, Adam, Jacob, Caleb, and Noah. Neal steadfastly devoted himself to his sons, coaching them in football and basketball and teaching them to be loving, patient, kind, strong, independent, and responsible. He loved refereeing their games and continued to referee even after his sons graduated from high school. On May 25, 2007, Neal married Lori Burgan (Burkowske) by the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, MN. He loved to spend time with Lori at the Minneapolis lakes. His favorite vacation spot was beside the Pacific Ocean in San Clemente, CA. He also thoroughly enjoyed visiting Italy and Greece and had hoped to one day return there. He loved fishing with his sons and getting together for family gatherings. He was delighted each time a new grandchild arrived and loved watching them play and grow. Neal accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and surrendered his life to God in January 1979 at the age of 25. Thereafter, he devoted his life to the study of God's Word and ministering to others. He graduated from Bethel University, with Honors, in 2011 with a B.A. in Christian Ministry. He felt privileged to later serve as the Prayer Pastor at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, MN. He also served as a Marriage Mentor and leader of the Recovery Group there. Neal impacted so many lives with his wisdom and encouragement. His family and friends will truly miss the light he brought to their lives. Neal was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Lori; sons and daughters-in-law Adam Barton and long-time partner, Ashley Jaros, Jacob and Katie Barton, Caleb and Ericka Barton, and Noah Barton; step-son John Radoush; grandchildren Zane Vogel, Paige, Dexter, and Evelyn Barton, Blake Hasbargen; step-grandchildren Brittany Kost-Radoush, Blake Radoush, and JohnniLynn Anderson; step great-grandchildren Oliver and Olivia Gossen and Nova Rohn, ex-wife Gwen Day, and brother, Franklin Barton. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Cedar Valley Church, 8600 Bloomington Avenue South, Bloomington, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by the service. Lunch will be served at the church following the service.

Tributes

Neal Arthur Barton

December 15, 1953 - September 12, 2022

Tributes

Neal Arthur Barton

December 15, 1953 - September 12, 2022

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