Christie Wallace Barke

Christie's Memorial service may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/event/2375433

Christie's tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/C89X3FQ5QMSB87HM

On August 17, 2022, Christie W. Barke passed at the age of 91 at Bethany on 42nd Street in Fargo.

Christie was born on March 3, 1931, to Christie W. and Ruth Barke in Kenmare, North Dakota. He attended school in Donnybrook , ND graduating in 1949. Christie attended NDSU from 1949-1951. He went on active duty with the US Air Force in 1951 and discharged in 1953. Christie began his career with the North Dakota Air National Guard in the Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance shop.

Christie met the love of his life, JoAnne Klevberg while attending NDSU and they married in 1954. They raised three children, Craig, Brad and Mary.

Chief Master Sergeant Christie Barke was the North Dakota Air National Guard’s first State Senior Enlisted Advisor. He was responsible for keeping the North Dakota Adjutant General informed of all the enlisted issues for the Airmen who worked in the North Dakota Air Guard. During his service he toured throughout the United States as well as spent time at the Pentagon and overseas.

Prior to his last assignment, CMSgt Barke served as the Field Maintenance Branch Supervisor of the Happy Hooligan. He was responsible for all the support people and equipment in Maintenance. He received numerous awards for his dedication and leadership throughout his career. Christie retired in 1991 after 39 years with the NDANG and we thank him for his years of service.

Christie enjoyed his retirement with travel, volunteer work, gardening, fishing, hunting, time with other guard retirees and attending various organizational functions. In 2002, Christie’s beautiful yard was on the Soroptimist yard and garden tour in Fargo. In 2005, during one of his many fishing trips to Canada, he was awarded the “Catch and Release Award” for a Northern Pike measuring 42.5”. He finally caught the “big one”. He and JoAnne loved to entertain, surrounded by many friends and family.

He was preceded in his death by his parents, brother Howard, sister-in-law Hazel, nephew Randy, and brothers-in-law Ron and Marvin Klevberg.

Christie is survived by JoAnne, his wife of 68 years, and his three children, Craig, Brad (Jennifer), Mary (John Sterling); their five grandchildren; Chara Barke, McKayla Barke, Ryan Sterling, Jamie Paxton, Christopher Sterling; great-granddaughter Ryleigh Paxton and friend and helper, Paulette Magnuson.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 25, at Faith United Methodist Church located at 909 19th Ave N, Fargo. Visitation will be held at 1 pm followed by the service at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Dakota Air National Guard Enlisted Association Scholarship fund. NDNGEA, 1100 19th Ave N PMB #143, Fargo, ND 58102