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Joseph Barker Obituary
Joe grew up on a farm near Joliet, moved to Morril, Neb., as a sophomore and graduated from high school in Mitchell, Neb., in 1965. He attended Rocky Mountain College, then graduated from Eastern Montana College in 1972 with a teaching degree in history and communication.
On September 2, 1967, Joe married Kristeen Keup. The couple was blessed by the birth of two treasured daughters, Bridget and Maja.
Joe chose to enlist in the Marine Corps and was called to service in September, 1967, during the Vietnam era. He served as the local Marine recruiter for many years and won many awards as the top regional recruiter. Twenty-four years of military service were devoted to the Marines and to the Army Reserve. Joe was honored to be part of a NATO war exercise at the North Pole, which allowed an opportunity to reconnect with family from his Swedish and Norwegian heritage, leading to a subsequent exchange of visits over the years.
Joe enjoyed sales and spent some years working with Crescent Spices out of Seattle, where he won numerous sales awards. He also sold insurance for a time.
Joe loved to fish, to be with friends and to explore the back roads of Montana. He was an avid reader, with a special love of history and geography. His love for traveling took Joe and Kristeen to Greece, Italy and England, where they were teacher-counselors for a six-week educational tour in 1972.
Joe is survived by two daughters, Bridget Barker (Robert Orser) of Tucson, Ariz., and Maja (Brett) Ballew and grandchildren, Asa and Dane, of Elma, Wash.; by his sister, Jean (Charles) Rutter and niece, Regina; and by Kristeen Keup. Surviving aunts and uncles are David (Sherry) Davidson of Joliet, Snookie Mettler of Seattle, Ella Loga of Lavina, Delores Swartz of Broadview, Faye Badgett of Broadview, Phyllis (Don) Wuertz of Lavina; Joan Jackson of Nye, Winnie Barker of Oregon, Norm (Grace) DeVoe of Billings, Faye Story of Colorado; and numerous cousins.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Ellis M. "Bub" Barker, a baby brother, and numerous relatives.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 550 N. 31st St., Billings, MT, 59101 or to the charity of choice.
Family and friends may call at Michelotti-Sawyers for viewing from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday with cremation to follow.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.
Joe, you will be greatly missed.
Happy Trails.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Barker
Bonnie Maze
September 21, 2004
At times like these, I would like to be able to say just those special words to bring comfort, maybe even some understanding. But, of course, I'm not that literary and definitely not that wise. All I know is that Joe and Kris, Bridget and Maja have been a special part of our lives--so many fond memories and fun times. Snowmobiling in Cooke City had to be one of the best--
We feel so blessed that we were able to visit with Joe in August. Thank you, Kris, for making that visit possible. I never really thought it would be a last time, but maybe that is the way it is
supposed to be.
sandy halstead
September 14, 2004
Bridget,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing and know how hard it is to be away from family in times like these. I lost my mother to cancer during my graduate studies and almost welcomed the daily diversion of research and study to lessen the sorrow....
In the spirit of Ekat, a Lord Byron quote that might bring a smile as you remember your father
In the desert a fountain is springing,
In the wide waste there still is a tree,
And a bird in the solitude singing,
Which speaks to my spirit of thee.
Maxine Lucas
September 13, 2004
Please accept my sincerest sympathy. May you find comfort in knowing that even those of us who never knew Joe can empathize with your loss.
Kierstin Banning
September 13, 2004
Dearest Bridget, Maja, and Kristeen,
It is with fond memories of Joe that we sign this guest book. We will always remember his kind heart, his love for family and his wonderful smile. We had the pleasure of getting together for a family reunion, if you will, at Maja and Brett's wedding. It seems like just yesterday. Time may go by but memories will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing yours with us!....We love you.
Kierstin Anderson Banning (Cousin)
Marie Keup Anderson (Aunt)
Linda Keup Zimmerman
September 10, 2004
Dear Kris, Bridget and Maja,
I have so many fond memories of family dinners, birthdays, holidays and fun family events with all of you. I will always remember Joe with that great big toothy smile on his face. He was always the nice guy with the big heart, a man of few words but you always knew he was there.
Bridgy,
I will always remember the father/daughter visit to El Paso and our fun trip to Juarez.
Maja,
For you, it will be Joe walking you down the Isle.
Kris,
For you, the family times we have shared.
May God bless you all and soon replace your sorrow with happy memories of the man that loved you all.
With all my love,
Linda
Maiya (Soriya)-Ingram
September 10, 2004
Dear Kris, Bridgie and Maja,
May Joe rest in peace; we have lots of love for you Barker gals - and wonderful memories of the special times we have had together over the years. Our love, Maiya (Steve, Malina and Saira join me in sending condolences to your family).
Eldena and Rose Bear Dont Walk
September 9, 2004
I was blessed enough to know Joe Barker. After Maj and I became friends in high school, I even had the pleasure of having him as my substitute teacher at Senior once. Your dad always gave me a hug when he saw me or a pat on the back and an encouraging word. our love to you all.
Ekaterini Riga
September 9, 2004
Bridget
The Greek wish is: "For you and your sister to live many years to remember your father with the fondest memories"
I lost my mother to cancer exactly the same age as your father......!!
Tanya is sending you her condolence.
Love
Katerina
Darlene Lavelle
September 9, 2004
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I'm thinking of you Bridget. Bless you and your family.
Laura, Brett, & Talon Holmquist
September 9, 2004
Our love and prayers with you all.
Barb Watson
September 7, 2004
To the family of Joe Barker, I know he will be missed by all. Joe was the big guy that lived up the hill from us. Joe, Jeannie, Jo, Don and I use to have so much fun together as children. Since I was to little to ride bike Joe use to take me on his bike when we would go exploring. I missed them so when they moved to town then away to Nebraska. Joe will always be in your hearts. I know it hurts so much now but over time the healing starts but the memories will always be there.
Barb
Sandy (Glenney)Sysum
September 3, 2004
Joe was a dear cousin. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Sandy
DONNA SMITH - FESSENDEN
September 3, 2004
I MET JOE WHILE I WAS I HIGH SCHOOL AND I WORKED FOR THE MARINE CORP RECRUITING OFFICE. IT WAS HARD TO GET A DATE WORKING THERE FOR HE WAS A BIG FATHER FIGURE TO ME. I WILL MISS HIM AND I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Sara (Hoffman) Reso
September 3, 2004
To Joe's Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have a lot of fond memories of your father, as he was such a dear friend to my father, Jim Hoffman. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Irene Roat (Jarvi)
September 3, 2004
To the family of Joe....I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We were friends long ago, at high school in Joliet. It is nice to know that he has a wonderful family and led a great life. May your love for him live forever in your memories and hearts.
JO PETERSON
September 3, 2004
JOE WAS A CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE AND NEIGHBOR WE STARTED SCHOOL TOGETHER. WE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES AS KIDS HE WILL BE MISSED JO PETERSON (WILCOX)
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