Matt touched so many lives. He lived on the edge, he challenged all everything that could be challenged. He excelled at ANYTHING physical. At the thought of him, his sense of humor brings a smile. His legacy is Kaylee. She is a petite feminine version of him.
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kaylee
January 6, 2026
love you dad
Bobbi Barger
August 26, 2025
Wow, you would be 43 this year on May 22! Today was the anniversary of the worst day of my life. I miss you darling boy. Thankfully, there are still little signs and twinkles that let me know your around. Thinking of you as always, Mommy


Kacy
August 26, 2025
As the days and years keep going on with you not here has been so hard not only for our daughter but for me as well. I have always made it a point to raise her the best way I knew how to doing it as the mom and the dad. I know you watch her growing and are so proud of how amazing she is. We love and miss you so much !!
Judy Ponchot
May 16, 2025
It´s been many years since I first met Matthew in my first grade class at Fruitville. I still remember him vividly. So full of personality and cuteness. He was an easy student to love.
It´s also been quite a few years since I saw Matthew again in the driveway next to mine. He was still handsome and sweet...Just the kind of personality that you always enjoy meeting. Thinking of the loss of this precious guy still brings tears and heart squeezes.
Matti, you are not forgotten!
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Lauren
August 24, 2024
Matti, you made your mark and I think of you often. You are certainly missed but never forgotten. You are something special. That smile/smirk you have will forever light up any room.

Mommy
August 23, 2024

Mommy
August 23, 2024
Momma
August 23, 2024
I think of you every day. It's so hard to imagine what you'd be in today's world. I always love you baby boy.

June 15, 2009
Jamie
January 13, 2024
Thinking of you again.
Bobbi Barger
August 26, 2023
It's difficult to imagine you in your 40's darling boy. I see you in my dreams, but as you were. I love and miss you.
Mommy
Mommy
August 26, 2022
I can't believe it has been 14 years. I miss you so.
Kaylee Dutkiewicz
June 11, 2022
Dear dad, I´ll be 18 soon...slowly making my way into the real world. I´ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I miss you more than you know. Continue to look down on me and help pave the way to my happiness and success. I pray to you when times get hard because I know deep down that your listening. You will forever be my guardian angel, my first tattoo will remind me of that. There´s times I want to give up but I know I´m strong and I know I need to push through for you and the people I love. I´ll see you when the time comes daddy. Love you lots
Your daughter Kaylee
July 22, 2021
Dear dad,
I´ll be 17 in 3 months, i got 2 more years of school, i´m doing super good in circus and Me and mom are doing great but It breaks my heart everyday you not being here. Im so confused with my feelings because I'm so angry and upset because of how unfair this was for me but also i miss you and wish you were here to watch me succeed and grow. I know your watching me and helping me everyday with the obstacles i come across. I pray that you will continue to witness every moment and accomplishment threw out my life such as my circus career, graduation, jobs, Marriage, kids, etc. i wish You could of came to father & daughter day threw out elementary school, or come to one of my circus shows, or even walk me down the isle when the time comes...Its hard looking at pictures with you or hearing stories from everyone about how we look alike and are so similar (we got that daredevil personality) but i love hearing it at the same time... i hope you're doing alright up there and i cant wait to see you. Love you forever
~your favorite and only daughter Kaylee
Christopher
July 16, 2021
Thinking of you and the great memories rideing together .....again.... Miss rideing with you and good times brother.
Jamie (Slavin) Cole
December 7, 2020
I just had a conversation with my 12 year old about never letting go of a “silly 6th grade crush”. I told her I finally dated my 6th grade crush in 12th grade. God I wish we could have had that dinner we talked about. You are still impacting lives, miss you Matt
Christopher John
October 26, 2019
At the gym thinking about you right as ruff riders song came on ,good times rideing with you ,miss you my friend....... Sincerely your good friend Chris
August 22, 2019
Next week it will be 11 years that you left us. Kaylee is so very smart, talented and beautiful. You would be so very proud of her. We miss you baby.
Love, Mom

My love.
Bobbi Barger
November 3, 2018

Just a memory of people who love Matti.
Bobbi Barger
November 3, 2018

She is now 14, and stunning.
Bobbi Barger
November 3, 2018
August 24, 2018
I was just bragging about your wheelie from university all the way to 681 and then into the first gas station on the right ....... missing my friend.
Judy Ponchot
July 21, 2016
Many years ago I had little Matthew Barger in my first grade class, and I will never forget him. He was totally adorable then, and when I saw him as an adult, he still had the good looks, amazing smile, and personality. My heart still hurts and my eyes leak with the grief of knowing the loss of Matti.
Sara Miller
August 26, 2015
I miss you always. I miss your smile and your laugh, especially. You were one in a million. Love you.
Bobbi Barger
April 24, 2015
You were the 1st thing on my mind today! I miss you so...
Melissa Zobuk
November 3, 2013
I think of you every moment of everyday, but for some reason my heart is heavy tonight thinking about you. Can't stop thinking about all the wonderful memories we made, that I carry with me always. And I have yet to meet a person in this WHOLE WORLD that is as awesome as you are. I could list the reasons why you are so awesome, but boy would that be a LONG LIST :)! I know you are watching down on me, and I swear I can even feel your presence around me sometimes. Just wanted to tell you that I miss you more then words could ever explain. People say that "time heals all wounds", but in this case, people are so wrong! There is a huge part of my heart that broke on 8/26/08, and it won't ever be repaired till I see you again! I love you Matti and always will! But you already know/knew that ;) <3<3<3<3
June 1, 2013
Matti, I ran into your mom again and it brings back all the old memories as kids and in high school. I miss you and still can't believe you are gone.. I saw a photo of your beautiful daughter. She certainly looks like her daddy with long hair:) I miss yah lots and think of you often. May you rest in peace and i look forward to seeing that smirk one day. Hugs! -L
Bobbi Barger
May 19, 2012
You would have been 30 Tuesday! Oh to imagine you at that age. I miss your kindness, your humor, your love and your gentle spirit. Love you always baby, Mamma
Bobbi Barger
May 19, 2012
Tuesday you would have been 30! Oh, to imagine you at this age. I miss your kindness, your love and your gentle spirit so. I will always love you baby boy. Love, Mamma
Bobbi Barger
January 15, 2012
I've been dreaming of you recently. Happy dreams. I can hear your voice for the first time in many months. Are you reaching out? Is this an anniversary of something I'm not remembering? I don't know what it is in particular at this time. I am thankful for feeling your presence however I come to have it. I miss you so. I love you forever and ever. Mommy

September 18, 2010

My little cowboy
Bobbi Barger
September 18, 2010
Sean Wilkinson
September 11, 2010
Barger, Miss You! I think about you all the time. I know you are there watching over my shoulder just like you were when you were here. Always taking care of me, the situation did not matter. I have so many memories of you, I think the one that stands out the most is when I had just moved to Tampa. You called when I was out walking the dog. You told me that you were going to be a dad! You were nervous but at the same time you were so excited. We talked for about two hours about it that day about different situations you would come across and how great they would be. I had a baby 6 months ago... I think about that talk all the time! I miss you brother!
July 20, 2010
You're on my mind alot I'm getting ready for "our" Sanibel week. I can't believe we got to spend that whole week together...I miss you so.
Your baby girl is so beautiful.

Matt and Bobbi
Mom
June 17, 2010

She is the female version of Matti, so smart and beautiful!
Bobbi Barger
June 16, 2010
Kacy Dutkiewicz
May 22, 2010
Daddy you just had your 28th birthday and I can't even tell you how much I miss you. Kaylee never stops talking about you, we kow you watching over us and your our angel, Happy Birthday Babe !!!!! Kaylee and I love and miss you more than words can say, xoxo
Terri Roberts
January 28, 2010
You are in a better place, and god is with you now. We know you are watching over all of us. I miss you, and that little smirk on your face everytime I would give you a hug. I think of you often and a smile always comes to my face. We will all see you again someday.
Meade
January 7, 2010
Wow- can't believe that it has been so long. It seems like yesterday I was getting a call from you asking if I wanted to go Mudding or find a place to climb up on and look over downtown SRQ. I'm buying a condo in NJ that you can see NYC from- reminded me of you bro! Miss you soo much.... RIP
Kerri
August 27, 2009
Hey Matti, I think about you often, in fact, i think i see you places all the time. I think of all the great memories over the years we all had as friends. You are truely missed. May you continue to rest in peace and know that you are always in my thoughts MAB:)
m
August 26, 2009
I still can't believe you're gone. It doesn't seem real. I still feel like I'm going to run into you somewhere. Oddly enough I still look for you around town, even though I know you're not there. I truly don't know that I will ever get over losing you. I still remember the last time I saw you. I could really use you to lean on today. I know you're ok and I just wish I had gotten to say goodbye. We will all see you in time. We all love you so much. We miss you Matti. <3 you
August 26, 2009
Today is 1 year........I know we are all thinking of him at this moment and always. I know we will all be
ok. We miss him so. Tomorrow this book will be gone. I'm trying to move forward......I just don't know if I can.
Debra
August 25, 2009
Matthew,
Your Harrison Family loves and misses you very much. You will always be in our hearts.

Kacy
August 25, 2009
Daddy, tomorrow it will be a year since you have been gone from us, this has been a really hard week, I just want you to know how much Kaylee and I miss you and love you, Kay talks about you everyday and we have a special star that is always the brightest star in the sky that is your star and she tell's everyone about it, you are always in our hearts and minds and we know you are watching over us, I love you babe xoxo
August 25, 2009
Matti,
Today is the day before you left us for a better place, one year ago. I still think about my little bro every day. I miss you so much and can only pray that you are happier where you are... I love you and miss you..mAAAAnnn..you know what I mean duder.
Sean Wilkinson
July 21, 2009
Matt we all miss you! I still think about you often. Sometimes I still think I can call out your name "Barger" and you can hear me across a full room of people. You will always be a brother to me. You will always be with me.
Andy Crawford
May 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Barger....love and miss you buddy...
May 22, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY !!!! WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH. XOXOXO
KACY AND KAYLEE
Mommy
May 19, 2009
This Friday is Matti's birthday. It's a hard week for me. Matti will always be 2 or 4 or 10 to me. I miss him so.
Stephanie Johnson
October 17, 2008
I just found out today of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. I went to high school with Matt, I didnt know him very well, but I do know what a great guy he was and always made people laugh. Those are great qualities to have! Just remember he will never be gone from your hearts, but will always live on forever and watch over you. I am so sorry for your loss, but stay strong...it will get better.
Bobbi Barger
September 26, 2008
This is to all of the wonderful people that love my Matti. Thank you so much for the outpour of love and friendship. I have just been overwhelmed by the amount of people that were fond of my son. You have reached out to me in a way I just can't comprehend. I'm so touched by the way he touched so many lives. Thank you, thank you for your support and kindness. Please keep him in your mind and heart forever.
Bobbi Barger
David & Mary Lapointe
September 22, 2008
Dear Knick,Knickole and family,
We just learned of your loss, you are in our thoughts. Matt will be missed, remember the good times.
David & Mary
Melissa Zobuk
September 18, 2008
To the Barger Family,
This has to be the absolute worst thing that could have ever happened. Matt was the best friend I ever had. He was the most genuine person I've ever met. I'm so sorry for the loss, to the whole family.Matti touched so many people and will never be forgotten. To Kacy and Kaylee I'm so sorry. There really aren't words to describe how awful this is, and I hope Matt knows I loved him.
Bill, Faith, and Scott Yoder
September 7, 2008
To the Barger family:
We are so sorry to hear about your loss and we share your pain. We had met Matt through our son Scott, who was a friend of Matt in HS and worked with him at Shell. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Darby Larkin
September 5, 2008
Bobbi,
Your McIntosh family is grieving with you. We all love Matt. We all love you. And we are praying for you for peace.
Vinnie, Marty and Dawn
September 3, 2008
We just found out that our friend is no longer with us and words can not express the saddness we are feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to Kacy and Kaylee as well as Matts family. He will be missed.
LeeAnn Pettis
September 2, 2008
Dear Knickole and Family~
So sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you peace and hope during this time. Praying for you.
LeeAnn Pettis
Diana (Toth) McHenry
September 2, 2008
Bobbie and family:
My heart goes out to you and your family during this sad time. Please know that my prayers are with you and hope that in some small measure knowing your friends care will help you get through this sorrowful time.
Mark Urban
September 2, 2008
Anyone who knew Matt knows how special of a person he was. I feel sorry for those who never had an opportunity to be around Matt or meet him because they do not know what they were missing. Matt had a special way of drawing you in and making you enjoy every second you spent around him. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and he will never be forgotten.
Courtney Franklin
September 1, 2008
I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me because I can't believe that Matti is gone. I have so many wonderful memories of him and I will never forget his smile and warm heart. Matt was the kindest, most genuine person I have ever known. He was always there for me when I needed him. I know everyone who has been in Matti's life will miss him a lot. My thoughts and love are with you all.
Dave & Kari Beachy
August 31, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian Ceo
August 31, 2008
Matt will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful person and my thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who was lucky enough to be a part of his life.
Ellen Hartman (Napoletano)
August 30, 2008
Bobbie,
Your loss is incomprehensible. I will pray that you will find strength in God, your family and you’re many, many friends; whom all mourn with you. My prayers go out for your emotional healing. May your son, Matthew rest in peace and your entire family find comfort in his legacy.
My sincere and deepest sympathy go out to you and your entire family during this unimaginable time of grieving the loss of your son.
Andy Crawford
August 30, 2008
Barger...I am having the hardest time accepting all of this. You will be missed by us all. I will never forget how much of a genuine person you always were to me, it is so hard to find people like that these days. You were good to everyone around you and loved by all. I remember back during freshman year, I came from public school and knew noone, but you were quick to befriend me in PE class and show me around. Thanks again for everything and for always being real. You will never be forgotten, because there is so much good to remember. To the family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all, Im terribly sorry for your loss. Stay strong because thats what Matt would have wanted for us all. I know he is looking down on us and smiling. I love ya man.
"It's not the breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away"
Beverly Collingwood
August 30, 2008
Matt was a special young man - he loved everyone and everyone loved him. His wonderful love of life will always be remembered. When I was widowed someone sent a card that said "He is not gone, he is just away". The memories of Matt will live on and be in our hearts forever.
Stan ( Sandy ) and Sheila Adams
August 30, 2008
Knick and family,
We were sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Your memories will always keep him in your hearts.
Morgan Hester
August 29, 2008
I was so saddened to hear that Matt had passed away, and am so sorry for the pain you are going through. I have some very fond memories of Matt that make me smile and laugh to this day, and as time passes I hope that your memories bring you comfort. My thoughts are with you.
Erica Ferguson
August 29, 2008
Dear Barger Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt was a great guy and had a wonderful heart. He will be missed.
Wilma Brown
August 29, 2008
Bobbie and family,
Extending my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, brother, father, Mattie. In your sorrow may you find peace one day at a time. The last time I saw Mattie he was a young boy on the soccer field. May he rest in peace.
Wilma Brown and family.
Sarasota, Florida
Jennifer Young
August 29, 2008
Shannon, Knick, Knickole,and aunt Bobby,
It deeply saddens me to hear that Matt is no longer with us and that we have all suffered such a great loss. He was the most awesome older cousin that a girl could ever ask for. When any of us were ever sad, Matt always knew how to cheer us up. He was always the kind of person who could walk in a room and light the whole room up.We may no longer have him here but he will always be in our hearts and our memories. And for that I will be forever thankful that he was a part of my life, and that I was given the chance to know him and love him. If there is anything I can do or even if you just need to talk, feel free to call me anytime, I love you!
Janet Pederson
August 29, 2008
Bobbi, Knick, Pam, Knickole, Kevin, Shannon and Nick -
In your sorrow may there be peace.
We will all miss Matt -
Love, Janet Jon Max and Gus Pederson
Angela Babby-Farley
August 29, 2008
knickole, Kevin and Family,
We want to extend deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Love,
Bob, Angie and Brendan
Alan Anderson
August 29, 2008
Knick, Knickole and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you get through this difficult time.
Alan, Jill and Alana
Mike, Ed and Judy (from CA3)
Tracy Holland
August 29, 2008
Dear Family,
My thoughts and Deepest Sympathy goes out to you and first and for most Kaylee. Matt had such a great heart and each and every person that had a chance to know him was lucky! I know this is a difficult time for you and just know there are alot of people out there praying for you to get throug this time in your life. I will never forget that smile he had that could just brighten an entire room. I am truley hearbroken and will pray for his BEAUTIFUL daughter and his family that I know loved him so Deeply!!
Susan Gookin
August 29, 2008
Pam, I just wanted to give you my condolenced and know I am thinking of you and your extended family, your co-worker Sue G
Joan O'Neal
August 29, 2008
Dear Bobbi and Family
My sincerest sympathy for you and your family.
John Camden
August 29, 2008
Knick , and Knickole , my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
April Costello
August 29, 2008
I have known Matt since the first grade. He will will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family to get them through this tough time. I will never be able to understand why the Lord takes such incredible individuals, all I can say is that he is just one more angel watching over us.
August 29, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Snortz and Amy, Joseph, Samantha, Niholas, and Erin Washburn
August 29, 2008
Dearest Family,
We love you all very much and are heartbroken over this news. We cry out to the Lord for peace and understanding for you. Though answers are not what we should seek, but understanding of the will of God in this time.
If every person who says they will pray for you, and if you seek to be comforted by the Father, trusting Him to be your All in All during this most difficult time, you will for sure know what it means to be "held" by Him who loves you more than you will ever know.
There are NO Words to ease your pain or confusion or hurt, but know that there is One who knows all that you are feeling and desires to carry your every burden. He is Jesus. In Him may you trust. Grace and Peace be with you. We are praying for each of you.
With so much love,
The Washburns
Donna Baker
August 29, 2008
Dear Bobbi,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May loving thoughts of Matti and all that he meant to you be of comfort to you now.
My sincerest sympathies,
Donna Baker
(Home Resource co-worker)
Liz Avis
August 29, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Liz Avis
Matthew Ovens
August 29, 2008
Dear Barger, Humbert family and friends.
I'm so sorry that such a great guy was taken from us. My prayers are with you in this hard time. Stay strong and remember all the unforgettable memories you had with such a good person. I will always remember you Matti, Love ya kid.
Kathy Collopy
August 29, 2008
Dear Bobbi & family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. I know there is nothing I can do or say that will help ease your sorrow. Just know that I will keep Matt and your family in my prayers. I know that he is now watching over you. He will be waiting to greet you when the time is right and you will see each other again.
Your sister in Beta Sigma Phi
Donna Krabill
August 28, 2008
Dear Bobbi and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss and am here if you need anything.
My deepest sympathy.
Katie Mason
August 28, 2008
Dear Barger Family,
Words truly can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. Matti was such a wonderful person. I will always remember his smile and hugs. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May it be of comfort to know that many are praying for your family.
Aaron Yax
August 28, 2008
Didnt hang out with him much but i went to elementary school with him, played soccer with him, went to one of his birthday parties long ago, crazy he's gone, wish we could of stayed closer friends...
Myka Volney
August 28, 2008
Dear Barger family,
I am absolutely heartbroken for you all. Matti was so amazing and this is truly a loss beyond words for anyone who ever knew him. His smile is ingrained in my memory forever. What a guy. My thoughts and prayers are endless for you all.
Joanna Rheinlander (Mahle)
August 28, 2008
I wish there was something to do or say to help ease the pain for your family and close friends. Matt was one of the sweetest guys i knew. He will be missed and thought of often.
Kaylee Dutkiewicz
August 28, 2008
Daddy, mommy and I will miss you deeply and will always remember the happy times we shared together. We love you and miss you. Thank you for being my daddy !!
XOXOXO Kaylee
Tim Beasley
August 28, 2008
To the Barger family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Were so sorry for your loss.He will never be forgotten.
Love the Beasley family
Bethany Saputo
August 28, 2008
My heart breaks to know Matti is no longer with us. He was taken too soon and with so much more to give. I will always remember him as one of the most honest, sincere, and giving friends I have ever had. Matti will never be forgotten.
Marti and Charlie Cleland
August 28, 2008
Bobbi, Knick, Shannon, Knickole, Paul,
We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Matt. Find comfort in the sharing of sorrow and strength in knowing that others care and will be there for you in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Bill & Lisa Bambrick
August 28, 2008
We want express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Matti will continue to shine his light upon us all.
Rebecca King
August 28, 2008
Bobbi and family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. May time heal your sadness and allow you to cherish the great memories you had with him.
Penny, Bill & Adam DeClerico
August 28, 2008
Dear Barger Family,
I simply cannot express my sympathy enough, or imagine your pain. I remember Matti from his youthful days as a "Beach Boys" soccer player, and how you all welcomed us into your family.
Tim and Joe Gruters
August 28, 2008
To Knickole and Family,
We are saddened by the loss of Matt, our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Linda Guengerich
August 28, 2008
Dear Bobbi & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the softball games and Matti's sweet little face watching the girls play. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale & Linda Guengerich
Todd & Keleigh Wendell
August 28, 2008
Knick,Knickole & Family,
Our thoughts are with you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.
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