Robert K. Barger

Robert Keith Barger (Bob), 89, of Belding, passed away in the early morning hours of April 24, 2024, at Corewell Health-Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. Born on May 18, 1934, to Robert F. and Charlotte (Harriman) Barger in Bushnell Township, Bob graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952. In addition to being an independent carpenter (and building his family’s home), he had a long career working as a carpenter for Extruded Metals in Belding for 44 years, retiring in 1996. Bob loved anything to do with the outdoors, enjoying golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, and taking his family Morel-mushroom-hunting throughout Michigan. He also had a unique interest in tole painting, woodworking, and creating airplanes from aluminum beer and soda cans – he’d be proud to show you, just ask!  In fact, there are many of Bob’s friends and relatives in Michigan and Florida who are the gift-recipients of his unique metal planes and helicopters. 

Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Kathryn, whom he married on April 17, 1953.  They created many wonderful memories together, and shared special time with friends and family through card parties, snowmobiling and vacations throughout the U.S. They purposefully retired early and began spending winters in Florida and travelling before Kathryn became ill and left us.  In the 19 years since her passing, Bob traveled to Africa, Ireland and most recently to Alaska by cruise.  He treasured his membership at Shiloh Community Church where he made many new friends over the years, and where he enjoyed helping with the church’s food pantry and in room-set-up for special luncheons. Bob was involved in several different organizations over the span of his life, including the Moose Lodge of Ionia, the Eagles of Greenville, and the Sons of the American Legion of Belding

Bob is survived by his children, Deb (Bill) Nichols, of Manistee, Michigan; Dave (Elizabeth) Barger of New Bern, North Carolina; and Gordon Barger, of NYC/Greenville, Michigan; grandchildren, Andy (Brenda) Barger, Jason DuMond (Jenny Ladema), Dan (Chantel) Barger, Heather (Matt) Gunther, Jessica Brakora (Clint LeaTrea), and Kelley (Bruce) VanGemert; thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; daughter, Tammy; a brother, Lyle Barger; and sisters Helen Piper and Ruth Brooks.

Funeral services for Bob will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 PM at Shiloh Community Church, 8197 Heth Street, Orleans, with Pastor Dale Olling presiding. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Private interment will take place at Rest Haven Memory Gardens in Belding. Memorial contributions may be given to Shiloh Community Church and envelopes will be available at the church. On-line condolences and remembrances are welcomed at jffh.com.

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