Obituary of Josephine A. Barger

Josephine was born on June 3, 1921 on the family farm near Tabor, SD to Mads and Mary (Roth) Smith. She grew up near Tabor, attended Breezy Hill Grade School and Elm Grove Sunday School. She graduated from Tabor High School, attended Mount Marty College and earned her teaching certificate, then went on to teach school for three years. Her teaching career ended when she married Norman Barger on March 9, 1943 in San Diego, CA. She worked in San Diego until Norman was discharged from the Navy in 1945, at which time they returned to the Tabor area to farm. Josephine and Norman moved to the Utica area in 1954 where they continued to farm until they moved to Yankton in 1990. Norman passed away in April 2005 and she continued to live in her own home until February 2016 when she moved to Avera Sister James Nursing Home. Josephine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active in the Church Circle and was a member of the Tabor American Legion Auxiliary. Josephine enjoyed helping on the farm, gardening and raising chickens. She loved to bake for her family, everyone loved “Grandma Shorty’s” chocolate chip cookies. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards and games. Josephine had a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. She was a great inspiration to not only her family, but all that knew her. Josephine is survived by her son, James (Gloria) Barger of Utica, SD; daughter, Janice (Chuck) Dahlman of Westminster, CO; six grandchildren: Rob (Lisa) Barger, Julie (Sean) Sundermann, Kristin (Chad) Madson, Melissa Dahlman, Mike (Amanda) Dahlman and Rick (Logan) Dahlman and great-grandchildren: Tanner Slate, Walker Sundermann, Kayla, Austin & Dillon Barger, Brooke and Lexi Madson, Samantha and Lily Dahlman and Liam and Landry Dahlman. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; three brothers and two sisters. Memorials may be directed to the Elm Grove Cemetery, 30277 436th Ave, Yankton, SD 57078.