Obituary for Bret Ray Barnhart

Bret Ray Barnhart, 65, passed away on April 23, 2024, at his home in Edgewood, Iowa.  

He was born May 23, 1958, in Manchester, Iowa to George and Charlene (Welsh) Barnhart of Colesburg, Iowa.   Bret was raised in Colesburg and graduated from Ed-Co High School in 1976.  

Bret worked at the Colesburg Locker during high school and following graduation, this is set in motion a love for butchering that he would enjoy the rest of his life.  He was well known for “Barn’s Smoked Rope Sausage.”

He worked at Edwards Construction, Tschiggfrie Construction, and Kendrick Logging before starting Barnhart Logging.
Bret was a very social person, he had the gift of gab, he could and would talk to everyone, and always had a story to tell.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing cards, the poker machine, and a cold Busch Light.

He was always very proud of his family and loved them all very much. He had a very special place in his heart for Sam, Lindsay and his granddaughters, Reese and Jordyn.   He looked forward to hosting the “Barnhart” Christmas each year and catching up with his extended family.  

Bret is lovingly remembered by the daughter of his choice, Lindsay (Sam) Rave; granddaughters, Reese and Jordyn of Manchester;  siblings, Georgia (Craig) Kirby of Colesburg; Cathy (Ray) Peterson of Mederville; Barbara (Dave) Hoffman of Dyersville; and Christal (Bissy) (Tom) Sullivan of Greeley, IA.  14 nieces and nephews and 23 great nieces and nephews.
Bret was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bret on Saturday, April 27 at the Edgewood Event Center, 1:00-4:00 P.M.