Robert L. Barker Sr., 81, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.
He was born October 29, 1933 to Robert “Clayton” and Ethel Alvina (Speten) Barker in Almora, Minnesota. He attended Henning High School, graduating in 1951.
On February 2, 1955 he was united in marriage to Ethel Helen Turchin in Bertha, Minnesota.
Robert farmed as a young boy and also with two of his boys, Kevin and Bob Jr. He was an office manager at Bunny Bread Bakery for several years and also worked for Employers Mutual and Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. He had a partnership with Idor Hesbey and later to Barker Williams and lastly Barker Insurance Agency with his son, Randy.
He was a member of the Eagle’s, Coffee Club of Becida, Minnesota and Good O’le Boys Club.
Robert enjoyed bowling, restoring Minneapolis Molines and Studebakers, hunting, fishing and playing cards. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Ethel; sister, Violet; daughter-in-law, Pam Barker and many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Barker of Fergus Falls; children, Deanna (Dave) Kollar, Deb (Steve) Emery, Robert Jr. (Cathy) Barker, Roxanne (Steve) Kronemann, Randy (Dawn) Barker, Kevin (Lisa) Barker; grandchildren, Erin (Matt) Larson, Tracy Holdeman, Stephanie (Blake) Townsend, Darcy Kollar, John Emery, Karla (Darin) Blume, Kelli (TJ) Anderson, Abby (Chuck) Walker, Nikki (Tyler) Walls, Kyle (Maggie) Kronemann, Ryan (Vanessa) Field, Megan (Daryl Jr.) Kugler, Adam (Megan) Barker, Missy Barker, Devin Barker, Logan Barker; 29 great-grandchildren; aunt, Ruth Gunderson, brother and sister-in-law, Joyce and Shorty Revering.
Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Nancy Eldredge Hess
Interment: Inman Cemetery, Henning, Minnesota
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls