Irene Barker

Irene D. Barker, 92, long-time resident of Baroda, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018 at The Willows Assisted Living Center in St. Joseph.

Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Saturday, December 8, 2018 at The Boyd Chapel of Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 619 Main Street, St Joseph Michigan 49085 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 310 N. Main Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Irene was born on May 30th, 1926 in St. Joseph, Michigan, the daughter of the late Albert and Emilie (Metz) Patzkowsky. She graduated from St. Joseph High School on June 6, 1944.  Irene married Alvin Barker on October 4, 1947 and they shared a beautiful 66 years together before Alvin’s death in 2013.  Irene retired from nearly 30 years in food service as a cook in the Lakeshore Public School System.  She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  Irene was an active bowler for many years in the local area and was active in the Girl Scout program in Stevensville for many years and was also an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many more.

Irene and Alvin spent their time together traveling, enjoying day trips on rural back roads and small towns and enjoyed family camping trips together across the Midwest.

Survivors include a sister: Ruth Patzkowsky; and sister-in-law: Gertrude Patzkowsky; a son: Donald J. Barker; grandchildren: Michelle (Scott) Karst, Michael Runkel; great grandchildren: Justin (Renae) Sightes, Jack Karst, A.J. Karst, Meagan Runkel,  John Wesley Malachi Runkel; and a great-great granddaughter: Marcella Virginia Sightes.

She was preceded in death by a brother: Leroy Patzkowsky.