Feb 12, 2021
FAIRMONT Robert “Bob” Barke passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont, Minn.
Funeral services for Bob will be held at a later date.
Bob was born Oct. 20, 1928, the youngest son of Adolph and Sarah Barke. He graduated from Fairmont High School and spent four years in the U.S. Army National Guard, with 16 months on active duty during the Korean Conflict. Bob married Lavonne “Vonnie” Milbrandt on June 27, 1953. He farmed in Rutland Township prior to acting as general manager of C. H. Gould Company from 1962 through 1974. Bob then returned to farming again before retiring in 1997. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry, golf, helping others and spending time with family. Bob was active in the Martin County Farm Bureau, St. Johns UCC, and Fairmont Chamber of Commerce. Surviving Bob is his wife, Vonnie; four children, Brad and wife Carol, Ann and husband, Dan Roebbeke, Jack, and Jim and wife Judy; e