John R. Baratto

John Richard Baratto of Hudson Wisconsin, died in his home, August 22, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born and raised in Hibbing MN where, by age 13, he had become a cobbler. He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1958. John then went on to graduate from Hibbing Junior College and ultimately earned his B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of North Dakota. He started his career as a chemical engineer at 3M in 1963 and retired as the Vice President of Research and Development in 2005. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing golf, and traveling with his wife and cherished friends. He was a determined and loyal leader, friend, and father. He had a great sense of humor and a passion for cooking and sharing great food including his famous Johnny B. sausages. His family was a source of pride, joy, and love and through them his legacy will live on.

John Baratto is survived by his wife, Diane Baratto; daughters: Carrie (Josh) Pettit, Barbara (Luke) Smith, Michelle Baratto, and Angela (Brian) Reda; brother, David Baratto; sister-in-law, Margie Baratto; grandchildren: Alexandria, Jackson, Jeffrey, Joseph, Elizabeth, Victoria, Alayna, Livingston and Fitzgerald; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Delores Baratto; brother, Bernard Baratto; and sister, Rosie Staniger.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. If you want to share a memory of John with the family or have any questions, please contact jbarattofamily@gmail.com. The family would like to thank Lakeview Hospice for their care of John and his family during this difficult time.