Barbara Jean (Barak) Harrison

Barbara Jean (Bartak) Harrison, 58, died Saturday (June 22, 2002) at her home in rural Stratton.

She was born March 12, 1944, San Diego, Calif. to Filbert F. and Celestine A. (Kloke) Bartak. Shortly after her birth, she moved with her mother to live with her grandparents in Madison while her father served during World War II near Okinawa in Japan. She started school in Omaha, and the family later moved to Denver, Colo., where they resided for nearly 5 years before returning to Omaha. She graduated from Omaha South High School in 1962, and was employed at several jobs.

On April 23, 1966, she married Don Staroska and they moved to North Platte.

On Jan. 5, 1991, she married Eddie L. Harrison at Calvary Baptist Church in North Platte, and they made their home on the farm north of Stratton.

She was a member of the Christian Union Church in Stratton and the Christian Womens Club.

She was preceded in death by her father, Filbert Bartak.

Survivors include her husband, Ed Harrison of Stratton; mother, Celestine Bartak of Grand Island; daughter, Diahann and husband, Larry Stoner of North Platte; two sons, Lee Staroska and wife, Angie of Grinnell, Iowa, Joe Staroska and wife, Wendy of North Platte; step-sons, Benjamin Harrison of McCook, Andrew Harrison, and Kevin Harrison both of Indianapolis, Ind.; brothers, Stephen Bartak and wife, Agnes of Omaha, Randy Bartak and wife, Linda of Lincoln, Ricky Bartak and wife, Rhonda of Omaha; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at the Christian Union Church in Stratton with the Rev. Steven Kellett officiating. Interment will follow services at the Riverview Cemetery in Wauneta at 2 p.m.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m., with the family being present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Stratton.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be given in her name to Home Healthcare and Hospice Services, c/o Community Hospital of McCook.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton is in charge of arrangements.