The family of Denis Warta donates $116,850 to the New Ulm Area Foundation (NUAF) to create The Warta Family Fund. Back row: left to right John Illikman, Dustan Cross, Lisa Besemer, Kathy Van Roekel, Shari Fischer and Jeffery Schone. Front row: left to right, Dean Warta, Diann Warta (holding photo of Denis Warta) Shannon Hillesheim, Joey Warta and Mary Ellen Domeier.

NEW ULM – The New Ulm Area Foundation (NUAF) celebrated a new endowment fund courtesy of the late Denis Warta.

Before Warta’s death in November, he bequeathed $116,850 to the New Ulm Area Foundation to establish The Warta Family Fund.

Denny Warta children; Diann and Dean and his grandson Joey Warta attended the special check passing Tuesday at The Grand Center of Arts and Culture.

NUAF executive director John Illikman said typically endowment funds are named after the person giving the donation, but Denny Warta specifically asked it be named The Warta Family Fund.

“He wanted his family involved too,” Illikman said.

“Denny frequently spoke about his family and how proud he was of them all,” NUAF board member Mary Ellen Domeier said. “He was also one of the best promoters of New Ulm and he believed in the NUAF mission. He helped solicit funds for NUAF multiple times.”

Dianne Warta said her father was very proud of his family, but was also extremely proud of New Ulm and the surrounding community which is why he wanted to establish this trust.

Dean Warta said his father considered all of the New Ulm community to be part of his family.

Illikman said it would be hard to find anyone who is a stronger supporter of New Ulm this Denis Warta.

The Warta Family Fund has no stipulation in how it is used. Illikman said the fund would be used as a continuous endowment. NUAF will award grants using interest from The Warta Family Fund. Through this fund, the Warta family will continue to have a positive impact on the New Ulm area.

A formal celebration of life for Denis Warta will be held Saturday, June 20 at the New Ulm County Club.