Raenel Charlene Barger, age 74, passed away on December 25, 2022. She was born October 15, 1948 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Rae loved being surrounded by friends and family, spending time in the sun tending her garden, and traveling to visit loved ones with her husband of 50 years, Joe. She had a contagious sense of humor and has had a profound influence on those who have been fortunate enough to cherish her.
Rae is joining her mother, June Johnson; father, Walter Jensen; sister, Karen Warren; brother-in-law, Bob Wehe; nephews Randy and Todd Nelson; niece Robbie Rae Wehe; mother and father-in-law, Inez and Bob Barger; beloved friends Patsy Redfern, Barb Hays, Linda Hansen, Alba and many more.
Rae is survived by her husband Joe Barger of Butte; daughter Nicki Jemmings (Wally) of Helena; son Bob Barger of San Diego; granddaughter Alyx Montiel (Amador) and great granddaughter Evelyn (Poopsie) Montiel of Helena; grandson Nikalys Jemmings of Missoula; sister, Connie Wehe of Grand Forks; brother Rick Johnson (Carol) of Grand Forks; sister-in-law Carol Holland (Ron Caufield) of Missoula; nephew Reggie Nelson of Butte; nephew Brad Wehe (Marcia) of Grand Forks; niece Marti Hege (Brad) of Missoula; nephews Eric Holland and Rob Holland of Great Falls; nieces Mandi Johnson-Richards (Larry) and Heather Johnson-Petricig (Steve) of Grand Forks; and numerous great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and other much-loved family.
Rae is also survived by lifelong friends Sharon Mankins (Larry), Jan Fitzpatrick (Pat) of Butte, as well as countless others.
Per Rae’s wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rae and Joe’s favorite charity: Shriners Hospital.
No doubt, your big sister Karen was waiting for you with a martini. Cheers Rae. You are so very loved.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Rae.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Rae and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bobbie Stodden says
Joe and family, so sorry to hear of Raenel’s passing. May your memories keep her close at heart. She was a great person and I loved her very dry sense of humor.
Amy McNellis Holodnick says
Nicki, Joe, and Family- I’m so very sorry to hear of Rae’s passing. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Amy McNellis Holodnick & Family
Dave Fillbach says
Dave and Clara Fillbach
Joe and family, we are so sorry to hear of Rae passing. We have so many fond memories of our time with you and Rae. She was such a kind and fun person. Always the first Christmas card we got each year.
Joe, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Clara and Family
Anita Burroughs says
Joe and family I am so sorry for your lost. Rae will be missed dearly. I will always remember all the fun we had when we worked together, she was always a friend to everyone she meant. She enjoyed working with everyone. My heart breaks for you and your family.
Glenn Laitinen says
Joe and Family
We were saddened to hear of Rae’s passing. Rae was a great person and we are thankful we have the memories of her and you going back so many years. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. If there is anything we can do, please let us know!
Glenn and Sabrina Laitinen
Bill Thomas says
Joe so very sorry to hear about Rae she was a great lady may she rest in peace
Bonnie Hawke says
Joe and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rae’s passing. Rae was such a kind soul. I was fortunate to have gotten to work with Rae and to get to know her dry humor. I really enjoyed her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Tripp says
Joe & Family,
I was truly saddened to hear of Rae’s passing. Rae held a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories of the great times we had together in our much younger days. She was so kind and supportive when Annmarie passed. I hope you find comfort somehow in the coming days.
Doug Tripp
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Joe and all of Raenel’s Family and Friends. I enjoyed her when she came to Sparky’s and stopped in the casino to try and win the big one. She was such a wonderful person. May her memories hold dear in your hearts. I will miss seeing her at Sparky’s. Rest in peace Raenel..(((hugs)))
Janice Muniz ( Sparky’s Garage ..Butte)
Kathy Kraut says
Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. Rae was a wonderful person. I looked forward to you both coming in on Friday nights at Lucky You, before you headed to dinner at the Derby. She will be greatly missed. Hugs, Prayers and Love sent to you and your family.
Kathy Kraut
Tonya Foley-Neuman says
Dear Joe Nikki and Bobby,
Our hearts go out to you all with the deepest of sympathy. Rae and your father Joe were long time friends with our dad Craig Foley. Your family is in our prayers during this time. Rae was a beautiful women inside and out. Peace be with you all. Rae continues to live on in each of you. God bless.
Tonya and Tiffany