Joseph Arthur Barger
Joe was born on May 19, 1943, in Hettinger, North Dakota. As a young boy, Joe, along with his parents Bob and Inez Barger and sister, Carol (Holland) moved to Janey, Montana, which consisted of four small houses and a substation nine miles south of Butte, because his father had been transferred by the Milwaukee Railroad. Joe attended Hawthorn Elementary School, where he met his lifelong friend, Lyle Nielsen, and graduated from Butte High School in 1961. He attended Montana Tech for one year.
Remember, dad, how you stumbled down the hill and managed
to break your collarbone without even spilling your beer? Or the time you all set fire to the
mattresses on the Chancellor’s lawn so they’d buy you better ones? It worked!
Joe also attended Montana State University in Bozeman for a time before being asked to politely not return following a midnight stunt with a guitar amp in the dorm window. Music had lit a spark in Joe’s life and his band, the X-citers, was born. The boys bought a hearse, packed it with music gear, and hit the road doing what they loved.
Joe made his way back to Butte as a manager at Skaggs. He met his future bride of 50 years, Raenel, however, with his first courting phone call and in true Rae fashion, she hung up on him because he asked for Raylene. Thankfully for all of us, she came around!
A promotion would bring them to Spokane, where they welcomed baby girl Nickole (Nicki Jemmings), in 1973. They moved back to Butte to be close to family and run the Scoop Bar. They welcomed a son, Robert (Bobby Barger) in 1977.
Joe continued his love for music alongside Danny Foster as Good Ol’ Joes, and Royce Foster took over on drums following Danny’s passing. He also began work as a music industry warehouse distribution manager at the CJ Company, where he met even more lifelong friends. Finally, Joe retired from REC Silicon in 2017.
Joe spent his life enjoying music, bowling, golfing, traveling, and family. He was a wonderful Papa to Alyx (Amador) Montiel and Nikalys Jemmings, and great-Papa to Evelyn and Hollis Montiel.
Remember, Papa Joe, when we’d all sit in the backyard listening to you sing and play guitar?
You must have played The Purple People Eater and Long Tall Texan thousands of times. Thank you.
Following his wife’s passing in 2022, Joe and family had remarkable adventures, traveling to Turk’s in Dana Point, CA (Rae and Joe’s favorite spot for a drink on the water), and Grand Forks, ND to visit family in her memory. All the while, Joe was living with an aggressive cancer; however, that didn’t stop him from attending Thirsty Thursdays thanks to Jake Cavanaugh. His last hoorah was a bucket-list trip to Nashville and Graceland with Nicki, Wally (Jemmings), Bobby, and Carol.
Cancer took Joe two weeks later on April 26th. He passed in his own home, surrounded by family and infinite love from all those who had the pleasure to know him. Joe was aprofoundly positive influence for numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s’ Research Hospital, the VA of Montana, or an organization you hold dear.
Joe wanted a party! We hope you will come celebrate his life on Saturday, June 8th from 1-4 pm at Uno’s Lounge in Butte.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Joe and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday June 8, 2024
Uno's Lounge
3235 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday June 8, 2024
Uno's Lounge
3235 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Bobbie Stodden says
Nikki, Bob and all the Barger family, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great guy. I spoke to him recently and he was so looking forward to the big trip you all were taking. May all your memories help you through this difficult time. Now he is reunited with Rae, whom he missed very much. Joe will be missed.
Doug Tripp says
Nikki and Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was one of my besties when I lived in Butte. I called him recently and I am so happy that I had the chance to talk to him before passed. We had a nice conversation, I’m sorry he wasn’t able to make the trip he had planned for you all, he was so looking forward to it. He was a great guy and I will miss him. Needless to say, I am truly heartbroken.
Pete Philips says
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, we were friends for many years , Joe had such a great heart, he was always so much fun to spend time with and I can never forget him.GOD BLESS YOU JOE.
Pam Van Gilder says
To all of Joe’s family, I am so sadded to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe and Carol would come to our farm in Crocker, South Dakota and stay with us during summer vacation. Because I was 10 or so years younger I looked up to the teenagers who were visiting and teaching us how to dance to Rock and Roll. God bless the memories.
Carol A Holland says
He was my “favorite” brother!
Sandy/Hank Heffern says
Dear Nicki, Bob and family,
We are saddened to hear about Joe’s passing. Joe was a very special person and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. RIP JOE
Peace and prayers, Hank and Sandy❤️
Katie D'Urso says
Fell down and broke his collarbone and didn’t spill his beer?! Sounds just like his son Bob who lost every pair of sun glasses he ever owned while ducking under waves in the Pacific—but never once lost his brew 🙂
Blessings and love to your family. I know it must be hard to lose both parents in such a short time, but certainly sounds like their love of life and music are living on in the generations they set in motion. Katie D’Urso and family
Sherry Bersanti says
So sorry you lost your Dad Nicki. Its wonderful you were able to enjoy him right up to his last days. Bless you.
Dave Fillbach says
Nicke and Bob, So sad to hear the passing of my best friend Joe. We had many a good time riding dirt bikes , bowling, and enjoying many a cold beer. R I P my friend! Dave and Clara Fillbach.
Connie Bowers & family says
Joe was my cousin. lived a ways from us but remember trips to Butte on many occasions. Always enjoyed hearing his music and remember his love for riding dirt bikes with his Dad. Glad he was able to go to Nashville with family, sympathies to Carol, Bobbie and Nickki an the entire Barger family.
Joe Dziak says
Condolences to the families; keep Rest in Peace Joe.
Chess Obermeier says
Sad to hear of Joe’s passing. I remember him visiting our farm. May you find comfort in your many happy memories.
Denise Roggenkamp says
My husband Dan and I had some great times dancing to Joe’s music. The memories of Joe will be with us always.
We enjoyed celebrating Joe’s birthday.
He will truly be missed.
Dan Roggenkamp says
Nicki we are so sorry! If you need anything please call me.
Battleson Dan says
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family. I enjoyed sitting in with Joe a few times years ago and always enjoyed his music. Regards–Dan Battleson “Piano 1”.
Bill Foley says
Purple People Eater, Speedy Gonzales, Walking the Dog. So many of my good childhood memories involved Joe singing those songs. They were great the first time, and they were even better on the 10,000th time. Nikki, Bobby and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad will be remembered forever for enhancing every party he ever attended, and Heaven just got a whole lot more fun.