Robert E. Baarts, age 72, of Huron died Thursday January 5, 2012 at Huron Regional Medical Center. His memorial service will be 11:00 am Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Church of the Nazarene in Huron. Memorial visitation with family present will be from 6-8 pm Monday, January 9, 2012 at Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service. Robert Erwin Baarts was born November 18, 1939 in Truman, MN to Erwin and Minnie (Daemke) Baarts. He attended Truman Public Schools. Robert married Debrha Spence on August 19, 1961 in Fairmont, MN. He worked for the Chicago Northwestern and DM&E Railroads. Robert enjoyed fishing, camping, hockey games, western books and movies. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Robert is survived by his wife Debbie Baarts of Huron; five children, Tim (Angie) Baarts of Overland Park, KS, Kevin (Konnie) Baarts, Julie (Kris Waldner) Howard, Brian (Robin) Baarts, Bobbie Jo (Jim) Bryant all of Huron; ten grandchildren, Jennifer (Bruce) McCullough, Chris Baarts, Heather (Ben) Nagel, Darin Howard, Danielle Howard, Dillon Howard, Ashley Baarts, Casey Baarts, Sammie Jo Bryant (Casey McCoy), Shawnee Bryant; nine great grandchildren, Eleanor McCullough, Hannah, Rebeckah, Joseph & Elizabeth Nagel, Kaiden Howard, Ahriana and Avandre Baarts, Ellie McCoy; three sisters, Leona (Doc) Dalbey of Sun City, AZ, Lorrain Thomas of Fairmont, MN, VerDena Wilk of Fairmont, MN; many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Tilmer Gaard; brother, James Gaard; and granddaughter, Shelbie Bryant.